The first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan At the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo witnessed a remarkable display of batting dominance by the hosts. Zimbabwe scored 586 in their first innings, the highest total in Test cricket. These innings showcased scintillating centuries Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennetteach exhibiting skill and temperament. At stumps on day 2, Afghanistan dangerously 95/2, 491 runs behind with Rehmat Shah He was undefeated in 49.
Zimbabwe’s top scorer: a batting masterclass
Zimbabwe’s innings was built on strong partnerships and brilliant individual performances. Williams led the charge with a magnificent 154 off 174 deliveries. His innings of ten boundaries and three sixes was a master class in field selection and tenacity. Williams and Ervine added 150 runs for the fifth wicket, which moved quickly in Zimbabwe’s favour. Erwin’s 104, his tenth Test century, came off 176 balls and was a testament to his experience and composure.
Bennett further cemented Zimbabwe’s lead with an aggressive 110, showing flair and confidence. His knock, studded with five fours and four sixes, provided the perfect flourish to Zimbabwe’s innings. Partnerships flourished with their contributions Ben Curran (68) and We wish you good health (46) Failure to grant respite to Afghan bowlers. The monumental total of 586 is now a landmark achievement in Zimbabwe’s Test history.
An encouraging debut from Allah Ghazanfar despite Afghanistan’s bowling struggles
Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled as Zimbabwe dictated the conditions with ease. A debutante among bowlers Allah Ghazanfar He excelled claiming 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Despite the steep learning curve of Test cricket, Ghazanfar showed promise with his variations and control. Zia-ur-Rahman (2/101) and Naveed Zadran (2/109) batted at the wicket but lacked the consistency to trouble Zimbabwe’s batsmen. Azmatullah Omarzai and Zahir Khan managed one wicket apiece but was largely ineffective against a determined Zimbabwean side.
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Afghanistan’s response: A slow and cautious start
Faced with a huge deficit, Afghanistan’s response started on a shaky note and lost the opener. Sediqullah Atal early for just 3 runs. Abdul Malik provided 23 contributions to a patient before falling Blessed Muzarabanidisciplined bowling. However, Rehmat stood firm, collecting a well-crafted 49 off 95 balls. His knock of five boundaries and a six was the only bright spot for Afghanistan on day two.
captain Hashemtullah Shahidi He backed it up with an unbeaten 16 and the pair will need to strengthen their innings to avoid the follow-on. At the end of the second day, the hosts were in a commanding position, with Afghanistan still trailing by 491 runs. Zimbabwean bowlers including Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu have already entered the Afghanistan squad early, and the visitors have a long and difficult road ahead of them.
Zimbabwe claimed two crucial wickets before the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test against Afghanistan, then amassed their highest Test score of 586.
The third day’s play is scheduled to start at 9:40 am#ZIMvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024
