On it the first day of the historic Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan At the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, he put in an excellent performance finishing the day with 363 for 4. The match, Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test in 28 years, featured several debutants from both sides, adding to the excitement. from the encounter.
An early setback and an impressive debut for Ben Curran
Zimbabwe elected to bat first after winning the toss. The day started with some early jitters as well as the opening Joylord Gumbie was dismissed early. However, Ben CurranHis Test debut was truly impressive. He set a positive tone for the innings, batting at a brisk 68 to 74.
Sean Williams shines with a magnificent century
Although it was Sean Williams who stole the show, scored a sensational century and was unbeaten on 145. His innings was marked by deft footwork and an array of shots including drives, cuts and pulls that helped him reach his fifth Test century in Bulawayo with a control percentage. On a surface that offers 90 turns.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan missed Boxing Day Test
Craig Erwin’s continued support in an important partnership
Support for Williams, Craig Ervine He played an unbeaten knock of 56, contributing to an unbroken partnership of 143 for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Dion Myers added useful runs with 27 and 27 points, respectively, despite not being able to convert their starts into meaningful shots.
Afghanistan’s bowling struggles in Rashid Khan’s absence
Absence of star player for Afghanistan Rashid KhanPersonal reasons aside, their bowling attack was felt as they struggled. Allah GhazanfarMaking his Test debut, he picked up two wickets but could not stop Zimbabwe from posting a strong total. The Afghan bowlers, especially the spinners, found it difficult to contain the Zimbabwean batting on a pitch that looked in favor of the hosts.
The day was also marred by weather concerns, with forecasts predicting rain throughout the match, potentially affecting the course of the game. However, the play on Day 1 was uninterrupted allowing Zimbabwe to dominate.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Team India players wore black armbands on Day 2 of 4th Test against Australia
Here’s Twitter’s reaction
Fifth Test ton for Sean Williams
#ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/AB3U4XWzr9
— ICC (@ICC) December 26, 2024
SEAN WILLIAMS! Our Zimbabwean legend crosses the line for a magnificent century.
His fifth in Test cricket and phenomenal for Zimbabwe.
Very proud! We are moving forward! pic.twitter.com/2amMf7nLbc
— Adam Theo
(@AdamTheofilatos) December 26, 2024
I’ve said it in the past and I’ll say it again.
Sean Williams is the greatest to hold the cricket bat for Zimbabwe. pic.twitter.com/7QpmZ9Dnwv
— Udit (@Merovaeus) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams take a bow! You have lifted the spirits of all of Zimbabwe
It is not easy to smash a Test century against the likes of Ghazanfar, Zahir and Omarzai!
Sad to see him play only 16 Tests in all these years.
-Krishna Raj (@rajkrishna52) December 26, 2024
Fifth Test century for Sean Williams
https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/sttqmkEA5T
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 26, 2024
Great knock from Sean Williams as he celebrates his Test century in Bulawayo
Through @AdamTheofilatos pic.twitter.com/5cRhb3FU4G
— Zim-Celebs (@zimcelebs1) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams with the BIG 100 @ZimCricketv and his family. What a knock! It’s about this
— Mamzi (@GodwillMamhiyo) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams is back to his best. pic.twitter.com/jkR0ZGwmUj
— Sulay
(@Sulay177) December 26, 2024
Led by Shaun Williams’ unbeaten 145, Zimbabwe posted 363 for 4 on the opening day against Afghanistan. #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/uoDGZKC4DM
— Olivia Asha (@AshaOliviaUSA) December 26, 2024
What an innings by Sean Williams #ZIMvAFG
— Kaval (@bandaofrabb) December 26, 2024
