Zimbabwe narrowly avoided an embarrassing defeat to the United Arab Emirates in Nelson this morning.

Zimbabwe had to record their World Cup run record to defeat the UAE, with the underdogs setting a target of 285-7.

UAE were chasing their first win against a Test side and Shaiman Anwar led the way with 67 as they recorded their highest ever ODI total.

Zimbabwe need a 76 from Sean Williams to evade the ignominy of defeat against a side playing its first World Cup game since 1996, and although it was a four wicket win in the end, there was a point when the Test nation looked in trouble.

The partnership of Mohammad Naveed and Amjad Javed tallied 53, adding to Anwar’s impressive stint.

Williams steered Zimbabwe home, hitting three successive boundaries as he closed out the match.

Ireland face UAE next, at 3.30am Wednesday morning.