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The first test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, witnessed a remarkable display of batting supremacy by the hosts. Zimbabwe posted a towering total of 586 in their first innings, marking their highest total in Test cricket. The entries included scintillating centuries of Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennetteach showing skill and temperament. Due to the obstacles on day 2, Afghanistan was precariously placed at 95/2, behind by 491 runs with Rahmat Shah undefeated in 49.
Zimbabwe’s highest-ever total: A batting masterclass
Zimbabwe’s innings was built on strong partnerships and brilliant individual performances. Williams led the charge with a majestic 154, made from 174 deliveries. His innings, with ten boundaries and three sixes, was a masterclass in shot selection and stamina. Williams and Ervine added 150 runs for the fifth wicket, a stand that tilted the momentum strongly in Zimbabwe’s favour. Ervine’s brave 104, his tenth Test century, came off 176 balls and was a testament to his experience and composure.
Bennett further cemented Zimbabwe’s dominance with an aggressive 110 without going out, showing style and confidence. His knock, studded with five fours and four sixes, provided the perfect flourish to Zimbabwe’s innings. Associations flourished throughout, with contributions from Ben Curran (68) and We wish you good health (46) does not guarantee any respite for the Afghan bowlers. The monumental total of 586 is now a landmark achievement in Zimbabwe’s Test history.
Allah Ghazanfar’s promising debut despite bowling woes in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s bowlers had a challenging outing as Zimbabwe dictated the conditions with ease. Among the players, debutant Allah Ghazanfar he excelled, claiming 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Despite the steep learning curve of Test cricket, Ghazanfar showed promise with his variations and control. Zia-ur-Rehman (2/101) and Naveed Zadran (2/109) contributed wickets but lacked consistency to trouble the Zimbabwe batsmen. Azmatullah Omarzai and zahir khan They managed one wicket each, but were largely ineffective against Zimbabwe’s determined line-up.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan didn’t play the Boxing Day Test
Afghanistan’s response: a slow and cautious start
Faced with a huge deficit, Afghanistan’s response began on a shaky note, losing the first match. Sediqullah Atal early for only 3 races. Abdul Malik contributed to a 23 patient before falling to Muzarabani BlessingIt is a disciplined bowling team. Rahmat, however, stood his ground and scored 49 off 95 well-crafted balls. His innings, with five boundaries and a six, was the only bright spot for Afghanistan on the second day.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi supported him with an unbeaten 16, and the pair will need to anchor the innings even further to avoid the continuation. At the end of the second day, the hosts maintained a commanding position, with Afghanistan still trailing by 491 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, have already made early inroads into the Afghan lineup, signaling a long and challenging road ahead for the visitors.
Zimbabwe claimed two important wickets before the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test against Afghanistan after registering their highest Test score of 586. Afghanistan trails by 491 runs at stumps.
The third day’s match is scheduled to begin at 9:40 a.m.#ZIMvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC
– Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024
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