Zimbabwe has squeaked past minnows United Arab Emirates to record its first win of the 2015 Cricket World Cup.

Set a sizeable 286 to win after the UAE impressed with the bat in the first innings, Zimbabwe lost several wickets in worrying fashion in its chase in Nelson.

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But a steady hand from lower-order batsmen Sean Williams (76 not out) and contributions from Brendan Taylor (47) and Sikandar Raza (46) saw the Africans overcome the lowest-ranked team at the World Cup by four wickets, after the UAE posted their highest-ever one-day international score.

The result lifted Zimbabwe to fourth spot in Pool B, although they are the only country to have played two matches.

They next take on the West Indies in Canberra on Tuesday.

The UAE, meanwhile, play Ireland at The Gabba on Wednesday.