Sikandar Raza Zimbabwe had a very special return to the Test squad with a remarkable performance with the ball on the first day of the second and final Test against. Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club.
Sikandar Raza’s masterclass proved a lot for the Afghan fighters
Sikandar gave a brilliant performance as he shone during Afghanistan’s 1st innings. The 38-year-old off-spinner managed to get rid of the in-form Rehmat Shah In the last delivery on 30, he was bowled out while trying to scoop a paddle. Critically, Shah scored an unblemished 234 runs in the previous Test against Zimbabwe.
Sikandar then bowled Ismet Alam Right middle stump on a traditional off-spin delivery pitched, absolutely low-order Afghan battering. Alam returned to the pavilion with a duck facing just 2 deliveries. Sikandar’s next target was a tailor Yamin Ahmadzai as the spin-arm ball was too much for the Afghan #10. Sikandar’s 3 wickets were instrumental in a determined bowling effort by the Zimbabwean bowlers to bowl out the Afghans for 157 runs in just 44.3 overs on Day 1 of the match.
Also (WATCH): Zia-ur-Rehman clears Brandon Mawuta with absolute jaffa on Day 2 of first Test
We present the video:
The return man is on a mission! 💪
Sikandar Raza, playing his first Test in 4 years, scored 3 crucial wickets as Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by just 157 in the 1st innings! 👏#ZIMvAFGonFanKod pic.twitter.com/blNGQH25tm
— FanCode (@FanCode) January 2, 2025
Bowlers dominate as Zimbabwe take on Afghanistan
The 2nd Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo has been a bowler’s game so far. Batting first, Afghanistan could only muster 157 runs Rashid Khan‘s uptempo 25 stands out. Zimbabwean bowlers led by Sikandar and Newman Nyamhuritook three wickets each, taking advantage of favorable conditions. In reply, Zimbabwe slumped to 41/4 in the first session of Day 2, trailing by 116 runs. Farid Ahmed and Ahmadzai Impressed on their Test debuts, taking two wickets each. Day 1 was marked by wet weather, which led to a cautious start. With both teams fighting for runs, this low-scoring encounter promises to be an engaging contest as the game progresses. The onus now falls on Zimbabwe’s middle-order to steady the innings and not lose a significant first-innings advantage.
