The first test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan At Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, he witnessed a remarkable display of batting superiority by the hosts. Zimbabwe posted a massive total of 586 in their first innings, their highest ever total in Test cricket. The roles were marked by sparkling centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Irvine and Brian Bennettall displaying skill and temperament. By stumps on the second day, Afghanistan were precariously placed at 95/2, 491 points behind with Rahma Shah Undefeated in 49.
Zimbabwe's highest ever total: a batting masterpiece
Zimbabwe's innings was built on strong partnerships and impressive individual performances. Williams led the charge with an impressive 154, making 174 deliveries. His innings, filled with ten boundaries and three sixes, was a masterpiece of shot selection and flexibility. Williams and Irvine added 150 for the fifth wicket, a situation that swung the momentum dramatically in Zimbabwe's favour. Irvin's gallant 104, his 10th Test century, came off 176 balls and was a testament to his experience and composure.
Bennett also consolidated Zimbabwe's dominance by not out an aggressive 110, showing flair and confidence. His knock studded with five fours and two sixes provided the perfect flourish to Zimbabwe's innings. Partnerships have flourished throughout, with contributions from Ben Curran (68) And We wish you good health (46) Ensuring discomfort for the Afghan bowlers. The huge total of 586 is now a historic achievement in Zimbabwe's Test history.
Allah Ghazanfar's promising debut despite bowling struggles in Afghanistan
Afghanistan's bowlers faced a tough outing, as Zimbabwe dictated the terms with ease. Among the bowlers, debutant God is Ghazanfar He stood out, claiming 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Despite a steep learning curve in Test cricket, Ghazanfar has shown promise with his versatility and control. Zia Rahman (2/101) and Naveed Zadran (2/109) He bowled the wicket but lacked the consistency to trouble the Zimbabwe forwards. Azmatullah Omarzai and Zahir Khan Both managed a wicket but were largely ineffective against a determined Zimbabwe line-up.
also Read: ZIM vs AFG: Here's why Rashid Khan didn't play the Boxing Day Test
Afghanistan's response: A slow and cautious start
Faced with a huge deficit, the Afghan response started shakily, losing the opening match Sediqullah Atal Only 3 runs early. Abdul Malik Patient contributed 23 before falling Blessing Al-MuzarabaniDisciplined bowling. But Rahmat stood firm, compiling 49 well-made balls off 95 balls. His innings, which included five boundaries and a six, was the only bright spot for Afghanistan on day two.
captain May God have mercy on me, my martyr Backing it up with a 16-game unbeaten run, the pair will need to stabilize the roles further to avoid the follow-on. As the second day concluded, the hosts were in a commanding position, with Afghanistan still trailing by 491 points. Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabane and Trevor Gwandu, took an early lead in the Afghan line-up, indicating a long and challenging road ahead for the visitors.
Zimbabwe took two crucial wickets before play ended on the second day of the first Test against Afghanistan after posting their highest ever Test score of 586. Afghanistan are 491 runs behind at stumps.
The third day's play is scheduled to begin at 9:40 a.m#ZIMvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC
– Cricket in Zimbabwe (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024
