Sikandar Raza had a really particular return to the Zimbabwe Check squad with a exceptional efficiency with the ball on the primary day of the second and ultimate Check in opposition to Afghanistan at Queens Sports activities Membership.
Sikandar Raza masterclass proved an excessive amount of for Afghanistan batters
Sikandar had a stellar efficiency as he shined throughout Afghanistan’s 1st innings. The 38-year-old off-spinner managed to eliminate the in-form Rahmat Shah who was bowled out whereas making an attempt a paddle scoop on the final supply of the thirtieth over. Critically, Shah performed an impeccable 234-run knock within the earlier Check in opposition to Zimbabwe.
Sikandar then bowled out Ismat Alam on a conventional off-spin supply pitch proper within the center stump, fully beating the lower-order Afghan batter. Alam went again to the pavilion on a duck going through simply 2 deliveries. Sikandar’s subsequent goal was tailender Yamin Ahmadzai because the arm ball from the off-spinner was an excessive amount of for the Afghan No.10. Sikandar’s 3 wickets had been instrumental in a decided bowling effort from Zimbabwean bowlers to bowl out the Afghans on 157 runs in simply 44.3 overs on Day 1 of the match.
Additionally [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman cleans up Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of the primary Check
Right here’s the video:
The Comeback man on a mission! 💪
Enjoying his first check in 4 years, Sikandar Raza picked up 3 essential wickets as Zimbabwe bowled out Afghanistan for simply 157 within the 1st innings! 👏#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/blNGQH25tm
— FanCode (@FanCode) January 2, 2025
Bowlers dominate as Zimbabwe path Afghanistan
The 2nd Check between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo has been a bowler’s sport to this point. Afghanistan, batting first, might solely muster 157 runs, with Rashid Khan’s brisk 25 standing out. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Sikandar and Newman Nyamhuri, took three wickets every, exploiting favorable situations. In reply, Zimbabwe faltered early, slipping to 41/4 by the primary session of Day 2, trailing by 116 runs. Fareed Ahmad and Ahmadzai impressed on their Check debuts, taking two wickets every. Day 1 was marred by moist situations, resulting in a cautious begin. With each groups struggling for runs, this low-scoring encounter guarantees a gripping contest as the sport progresses. The onus now lies on Zimbabwe’s center order to regular the innings and keep away from conceding a major first-innings lead.
