Zimbabwe’s fireworks lead to a historic record against Afghanistan on the second day of the Boxing Day Test

The first test in between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, witnessed a remarkable display of batting supremacy by the hosts. Zimbabwe posted an imposing total of 586 in their first innings, their highest total in Test cricket. The changes featured glittering centuries of Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennettand each shows skill and temperament. At stumps on day two, Afghanistan are precariously set at 95/2, trailing by 491 runs with Rahmat Shah undefeated at 49.

Zimbabwe’s highest total ever: a batting masterclass

Zimbabwe’s innings was built on strong partnerships and brilliant individual performances. Williams led the charge with a magnificent 154, made from 174 deliveries. His innings, laced with ten boundaries and three sixes, was a masterclass in shot selection and resilience. Williams and Ervine added 150 runs for the fifth wicket, a score that largely swung the momentum in Zimbabwe’s favour. Ervine’s blistering 104, his tenth Test century, came off 176 balls and was a testament to his experience and composure.

Bennett further cemented Zimbabwe’s dominance with an aggressive 110 not out, showing flair and confidence. His knock, studded with five fours and four sixes, provided the perfect flourish to Zimbabwe’s innings. Partnerships flourished all along, with contributions Ben Curran (68) i We wish you good health (46) providing no respite for the Afghan bowlers. The monumental total of 586 is now a landmark achievement in Zimbabwe’s Test history.

Promising debut from Allah Ghazanfar despite Afghanistan’s bowling struggles

Afghanistan’s bowlers had a challenge, as Zimbabwe dictated the conditions with ease. Among the debutante bowlers Allah Gazanfar stood out, taking 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Despite the steep learning curve of Test cricket, Ghazanfar showed promise with his variation and control. Zia-ur-Rehman (2/101) i Naveed Zadran (2/109) chipped in with the wickets but lacked the consistency to trouble Zimbabwe’s batsmen. Azmatullah Omarzai and zahir khan each took a wicket but were largely ineffective against a determined Zimbabwean line-up.

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Afghanistan’s response: A slow and cautious start

Faced with a huge deficit, Afghanistan’s response got off to a shaky start, losing the first step Sediqullah Atal early for only 3 runs. Abdul Malik contributed to patient 23 before falling to Blessings to Muzarabani‘s disciplined bowling. Rahmat, however, stood firm, compiling a well-crafted 49 off 95 balls. His extras, with five boundaries and a six, were the only bright spot for Afghanistan on day two.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi he backed him up with an unbeaten 16 and the pair will need to further anchor the innings to avoid going on. At the end of the second day, the hosts were in a commanding position with Afghanistan still trailing by 491 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, have already made inroads into Afghanistan’s line-up early, hinting at a long and challenging road ahead for the visitors.

Zimbabwe took two important wickets before the end of play on Day 2 of the first Test against Afghanistan after posting their highest ever Test score of 586. Afghanistan trail by 491 runs at stumps.

The match on the third day starts at 9.40 am#WINvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024

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