On the first day of the historic Boxing Day test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe put up a commanding performance, ending the day with a score of 363 for 4. The match, which was Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test in 28 years, featured several debutants from both sides , which increased the excitement. of the meeting.
Initial setback and Ben Curran’s shocking debut
Zimbabwe decided to bat first after winning the toss. The day started with some nerves at first, as both starters Joy Lord Gumbie He was fired early. However, Ben Curranmaking its test debut, it was truly impressive. He contributed a spirited 68 off 74 balls, setting a positive tone for the innings.
Sean Williams shines with a spectacular century
Although, it was Sean Williams who stole the show, scoring a sensational century and remaining unbeaten on 145. His innings was marked by deft footwork and a variety of shots, which included drives, cuts and pulls, which helped him reach his fifth century of test in Bulawayo with a control percentage of 90 on a surface that offered spin.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan didn’t play the Boxing Day Test
Craig Ervine’s continued support in crucial partnership
Supporting Williams, Craig Ervin He played an unbeaten knock of 56, contributing to an unbroken partnership of 143 for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Dion Myers added useful runs with scores of 27 and 27 respectively, although they failed to convert their starts into substantial innings.
Afghanistan bowling struggles in Rashid Khan’s absence
For Afghanistan, the absence of a star player Rashid Khanwho retired for personal reasons, was felt as his bowling attack struggled to break through. Allah Ghazanfarwho made his Test debut, picked up two wickets but could not prevent Zimbabwe from posting a solid total. The Afghan bowlers, particularly the spinners, found it difficult to contain the Zimbabwe batsmen on a pitch that seemed to favor the home team.
The day was also marked by weather concerns, with forecasts predicting rain throughout the match, which could affect the progress of the game. However, on Day 1, play was not interrupted, allowing Zimbabwe to establish a dominant position.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Team India players wear black armbands on Day 2 of the 4th Test against Australia
This is how Twitter reacted
A fifth Test ton for Sean Williams 🙌#ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/AB3U4XWzr9
— ICC (@ICC) December 26, 2024
SEAN WILLIAMS! Our Zimbabwean legend crosses the line of a magnificent century.
His fifth in Test cricket and phenomenal for Zimbabwe.
Very proud! Let’s go! pic.twitter.com/2amMf7nLbc
– Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) December 26, 2024
I’ve said it in the past, I’ll say it again.
Sean Williams is the best to ever hold a cricket bat for Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/7QpmZ9Dnwv
– Udit (@Merovaeus) December 26, 2024
Take a bow, Sean Williams! You have lifted the spirits of all of Zimbabwe 👏🏻👏🏻
Smashing a Test century against the likes of Ghazanfar, Zahir and Omarzai is not easy!
It’s just sad to see him playing only 16 Tests in all these years.
—Krishna Raj (@rajkrishna52) December 26, 2024
Fifth Test century for Sean Williams 🙌#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/sttqmkEA5T
– Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 26, 2024
Superb knock by Sean Williams as he celebrates his Test century in Bulawayo
Through @AdamTheofilatos pic.twitter.com/5cRhb3FU4G
— Zim-Celebrities (@zimcelebs1) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams with a BIG 100 for @ZimCricketv and his family. What a blow! This is what it’s all about ❤️🇿🇼🏏 #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/ooC5vGWB8n
– Mamzi (@GodwillMamhiyo) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams is back to his best level. pic.twitter.com/jkR0ZGwmUj
—Sulay 🏏☘️ (@Sulay177) December 26, 2024
Led by Sean Williams’ unbeaten 145, Zimbabwe scored 363 for 4 on the opening day against Afghanistan. #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/uoDGZKC4DM
-Olivia Asha (@AshaOliviaUSA) December 26, 2024
What entries from Sean Williams #ZIMvAFG
– Kawal (@bandaofrabb) December 26, 2024