The second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan It started with Zimbabwe asserting their dominance on a day of bowling brilliance in Bulawayo. After electing to field first, Zimbabwe’s bowlers made the most of the conditions to bowl Afghanistan out for 157 on Day 1. The visitors struggled to find a rhythm, with none managing scores over 25. Tight lines and relentless pressure ensured wickets fell. has shaken Afghanistan at regular intervals. Zimbabwe’s openers then safely cruised through the tough final three, reaches 6/0 at stumps and is trailing by 151 runs.
Zimbabwe bowlers led by Sikandar Rza dominate Afghanistan
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack provided a masterclass in discipline and execution. Richard Shipp He was unplayable with figures of 1/18 in the 12th over, stifling the Afghan batsmen with his accuracy. Blessed Muzarabani 2/56 claimed important advances, including the main scalp Shahidullah. Sikandar Raza‘s off-spin (3/30) was remarkable, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order with its turns and subtle variations. Newman Nyamhuri (3/42) shone in the later stages, clearing the tail expertly. A collective effort restricted Afghanistan to just 157 as Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked in tandem to exploit every lapse in the opposition’s concentration.
Afghanistan’s war problems continue
Afghanistan’s skirmish has resulted in its inability to form meaningful partnerships. Openers Abdul Malik (17) and Riaz Hasan (12) made a start but failed to convert them Rehmat Shah (19) and Capt Hashemtullah Shahidi (13) fell into soft dismissals. Officer Zazai and Shahidullah tried to steady the innings with short contributions, but neither could withstand Zimbabwe’s relentless onslaught. Rashid Khan‘s counter-attack with 20 off 25 balls provided a late spark, but it was not enough to save the innings. Frequent collapses and lack of practice highlighted Afghanistan’s struggles as they were bowled out for just 44.3 overs, missing out on a competitive result.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: All 5 Day Bulawayo Weather Forecast | Zimbabwe v Afghanistan 2024-25
Zimbabwe is steadily responding
opening of zimbabwe, Joylord Gumbie (4 did not come out) and Ben Curran (1 not out), showed composure under fading light, provided early failures in his reply. Faced with three Tests from the Afghan bowlers, they carefully negotiated the deliveries from Rashid. Farid Ahmed and Yamin Ahmadzai. Although the runs came slowly, the focus of the duo was on protecting the wicket. Zimbabwe’s batting depth, with experienced campaigners like Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza waiting in the wings prepares them for a dominant position on Day 2. The home side will look to capitalize on this solid start and stay on runs to take complete control of the match.
A brilliant bowling display as Zimbabwe bowled out Afghanistan for 157 on Day 1 of the first New Year’s Test.#ZIMvAFG Visit #Zimbabwe 📝https://t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/JqxnzfFVKr
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 2, 2025
