The primary Check between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports activities Membership, Bulawayo, witnessed a exceptional show of batting supremacy by the hosts. Zimbabwe posted an imposing complete of 586 of their first innings, marking their highest-ever complete in Check cricket. The innings featured scintillating centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett, every showcasing ability and temperament. By stumps on Day 2, Afghanistan had been precariously positioned at 95/2, trailing by 491 runs with Rahmat Shah unbeaten on 49.
Zimbabwe’s highest-ever complete: A masterclass in batting
Zimbabwe’s innings had been constructed on sturdy partnerships and sensible particular person performances. Williams led the cost with an imposing 154, crafted off 174 deliveries. His innings, laced with ten boundaries and three sixes, was a masterclass in shot choice and resilience. Williams and Ervine added 150 runs for the fifth wicket, a stand that swung the momentum closely in Zimbabwe’s favor. Ervine’s gritty 104, his tenth Check century, got here off 176 balls and was a testomony to his expertise and composure.
Bennett additional cemented Zimbabwe’s dominance with an aggressive 110 not out, showcasing aptitude and confidence. His knock, studded with 5 fours and 4 sixes, supplied the proper flourish to Zimbabwe’s innings. Partnerships flourished all through, with contributions from Ben Curran (68) and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (46) making certain no respite for the Afghan bowlers. The monumental complete of 586 is now a landmark achievement in Zimbabwe’s Check historical past.
Allah Ghazanfar’s promising debut regardless of Afghanistan’s bowling struggles
Afghanistan’s bowlers had a difficult outing, as Zimbabwe dictated phrases with ease. Among the many bowlers, debutant Allah Ghazanfar stood out, claiming 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Regardless of the steep studying curve of Check cricket, Ghazanfar confirmed promise together with his variations and management. Zia-ur-Rehman (2/101) and Naveed Zadran (2/109) chipped in with wickets however lacked the consistency to hassle Zimbabwe’s batters. Azmatullah Omarzai and Zahir Khan managed one wicket every however had been largely ineffective in opposition to the decided Zimbabwean lineup.
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Afghanistan’s response: A gradual and cautious begin
Confronted with an unlimited deficit, Afghanistan’s response started on a shaky notice, shedding opener Sediqullah Atal early for simply 3 runs. Abdul Malik contributed a affected person 23 earlier than falling to Blessing Muzarabani’s disciplined bowling. Rahmat, nevertheless, stood agency, compiling a well-crafted 49 off 95 balls. His innings, that includes 5 boundaries and a six, was the one vibrant spot for Afghanistan on the second day.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi supported him with an unbeaten 16, and the pair might want to anchor the innings additional to keep away from the follow-on. Because the second day ended, the hosts held a commanding place, with Afghanistan nonetheless trailing by 491 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, already made early inroads into the Afghan lineup, signaling a protracted and difficult highway forward for the guests.
Zimbabwe claimed two necessary wickets earlier than the shut of play on Day 2 of the primary Check in opposition to Afghanistan after posting their highest-ever Check rating of 586. Afghanistan path by 491 runs at stumps.
The third day’s play is scheduled to begin at 9:40 a.m#ZIMvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024
