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Sikandar Raza made a very special return to the Zimbabwe Test team with a remarkable performance with the ball on the first day of the second and final Test against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club.
Sikandar Raza’s masterclass proved too much for Afghanistan batsmen
Sikandar put in a stellar performance as he shone during Afghanistan’s first innings. The 38-year-old managed to get rid of the in-form Rahmat Shah who was dismissed while attempting a paddle on the last delivery of the 30th over. Crucially, Shah played a flawless knock of 234 runs in the previous Test against Zimbabwe.
Sikandar was later eliminated Ismat Alam on a traditional off-spin delivery right on middle stump, completely outplaying the lower-order Afghan batsman. Alam returned to the pavilion on a duck off just 2 deliveries. Sikandar’s next target was the tailender Yamin Ahmadzai as the bowler’s arm was too much for the Afghan number 10. Sikandar’s 3 wickets were instrumental in a determined bowling effort by the Zimbabwe players to bowl out the Afghans for 157 runs in just 44.3 overs on day 1 of the match.
Also [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman clears Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on day 2 of the first test
Here is the video:
The comeback man on a mission! 💪
Playing his first Test in 4 years, Sikandar Raza picked up 3 crucial wickets as Zimbabwe defeated Afghanistan for just 157 in the first innings. 👏#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/blNGQH25tm
– Fan Code (@FanCode) January 2, 2025
Bowlers dominate as Zimbabwe follows Afghanistan
The second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo has so far been a bowl game. Afghanistan, who batted first, could only manage 157 runs, with Rashid KhanThe energetic 25 stands out. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Sikandar and Newman NyamhuriThey took three wickets each, taking advantage of the favorable conditions. In response, Zimbabwe faltered early, falling to 41/4 in the first session of Day 2, losing by 116 runs. Fareed Ahmad and Ahmadzai impressed on their Test debut, taking two wickets each. Day 1 was marred by rainy conditions, leading to a cautious start. With both teams struggling for runs, this low-scoring encounter promises exciting competition as the game progresses. The onus now falls on Zimbabwe’s middle order to stabilize the innings and avoid conceding a significant lead in the first innings.
