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The second test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo began with Zimbabwe asserting their dominance on a day full of bowling brilliance. After electing to bowl first, the Zimbabwe players exploited the conditions to perfection, bowling out Afghanistan for an under-par 157 on Day 1. The visiting batsmen struggled to find rhythm, with none managing a score beyond 25. Tight lines and relentless pressure ensured wickets fell. at regular intervals, leaving Afghanistan reeling. Zimbabwe’s openers confidently got through the tough final three overs, reaching 6/0 at stumps and losing by 151 runs.
Zimbabwe bowlers led by Sikandar Raza dominate Afghanistan
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack provided a masterclass in discipline and execution. richard ship He was unplayable with figures of 1/18 in 12 overs, suffocating the Afghan batsmen with his precision. Muzarabani Blessing provided crucial gains, claiming 2/56, including the key scalp of shahidullah. Sikandar RazaThe twist (3/30) was the standout, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order with subtle twists and variations. Newman Nyamhuri (3/42) shone in the closing stages, expertly clearing the tail. The collective effort restricted Afghanistan to just 157, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked together to exploit every lapse of opposition concentration.
Afghanistan’s batting woes continue
Afghanistan’s innings were marred by a failure to build meaningful partnerships. Openers Abdul Malik (17) and Riaz Hasan (12) made exits but could not convert them, while Rahmat Shah (19) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (13) fell into soft layoffs. Afsar Zazai and Shahidullah tried to stabilize the innings with brief contributions but neither could withstand Zimbabwe’s relentless attack. Rashid KhanThe counter-attacking 25 off 20 balls provided a late spark but was not enough to rescue the innings. Frequent collapses and lack of application underlined Afghanistan’s struggles as they were bowled out in just 44.3 overs, squandering any chance of a competitive total.
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Zimbabwe’s firm response
Zimbabwe’s openers, Joy Lord Gumbie (4 not out) and Ben Curran (1 not out), showed composure in the dim light, ensuring there were no early hiccups in his response. Faced with three inquiries from Afghanistan’s bowlers, they carefully negotiated Rashid’s deliveries, Fareed Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai. Although racing was slow, the duo’s focus was on preserving wickets. Zimbabwe’s batting depth, with experienced campaigners like Craig Ervin and Sikandar Raza waiting in the wings sets them up for a dominant position on Day 2. The hosts will look to capitalize on this strong start and take advantage of the runs to take full control of the match.
Brilliant bowling display by Zimbabwe as they defeated Afghanistan for 157 on Day 1 of the opening New Year’s Test.#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝https://t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/JqxnzfFVKr
– Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 2, 2025
