The second test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan The match began in Bulawayo with Zimbabwe asserting their dominance on a day filled with bowling brilliance. After being selected to bowl first, Zimbabwe's bowlers made perfect use of the conditions, bowling out Afghanistan with an under-par score of 157 on the first day. The visiting batsmen struggled to find rhythm, with none of them managing to get a score beyond 25. Tight lines and relentless pressure ensured the wickets fell. At regular intervals, leaving Afghanistan reeling. Zimbabwe's opener then safely navigated the difficult final three stages, Reaching 6/0 at stumps and trailing by 151 runs.
Afghanistan's Sikandar Raza-led Zimbabwe bowlers are dominating Afghanistan
The Zimbabwean bowling attack provided a masterclass in discipline and execution. Richard Shipp He was unplayable with figures of 1/18 in 12 overs, stifling the Afghan batsmen with his accuracy. Blessing Al-Muzarabani Made decisive breakthroughs, claiming 2/56, including a major scalp Martyr of God. Iskandar RedaOff-Spin (3/30) was the best, breaking down Afghanistan's middle order through roles and nuances. Newman Nyamhuri (3/42) He shone in the later stages, cleaning the tail skillfully. The collective effort restricted Afghanistan to just 157 players, with Zimbabwe's bowlers working side by side to exploit every lapse in concentration from the opposition.
Batting problems continue in Afghanistan
Afghanistan's roles have been marred by an inability to build meaningful partnerships. Openers Abdul Malik (17) And Riad Hassan (12) He started working but was unable to convert it, while Rahma Shah (19) And the captain May God have mercy on me, my martyr (13) It was dropped in the facilitating chapter. Afsar Zazai Shahidullah tried to stabilize the innings with brief contributions, but none of them could withstand Zimbabwe's relentless attack. Rashid KhanTheir counter-attacking 25 off 20 balls provided a late spark, but it was not enough to save the innings. Repeated collapses and lack of application highlighted Afghanistan's struggles as they were bowled out in just 44.3 overs, squandering any chance of a competitive total.
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Zimbabwe's steady start in response
Zimbabwe opening match, Joylord Gumby (4 did not come out) and Ben Curran (1 not out), they showed composure under the dim light, ensuring there were no premature setbacks in their response. Facing three probes from the Afghan bowlers, they carefully negotiated deliveries from Rashid, Farid Ahmed and Yamin Ahmadzai. Although the runs came slowly, the duo's focus was on keeping wicket. Depth of batting in Zimbabwe, with experienced activists such as Craig Irvin and Iskandar Reda Waiting in the wings, they position themselves for a dominant position on Day 2. The hosts will look to capitalize on this strong start and set out to take complete control of the match.
A brilliant bowling display from Zimbabwe as they bowled out Afghanistan for 157 on the first day of the opening New Year's Test.#ZIMvAFG #Visit Zimbabwe 📝https://t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/JqxnzfFVKr
– Cricket in Zimbabwe (@ZimCricketv) January 2, 2025
