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Another test in between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo it began with Zimbabwe dominating a day filled with bowling brilliance. After taking to the field first, Zimbabwe’s bowlers took full advantage of the conditions, bundling Afghanistan for 157 under par on the first day. The visiting batsmen struggled to find rhythm, with none managing to score above 25. Tight lines and relentless pressure ensured wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Afghanistan reeling. The first players of Zimbabwe then safely overcame the difficult last three overs, reaching 6/0 at stumps and trailing by 151 runs.
Zimbabwe bowlers led by Sikandar Raza 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. Blessings to Muzarabani provided key finds, claiming 2/56, including a key scalp Shahidullah. Sikandar Raza‘s off-spin’ (3/30) was at his best, dismantling the Afghan middle order with twist and subtle variations. Newman Nyamhuri (3/42) shone in the later stages, expertly clearing the tail. A combined effort restricted Afghanistan to just 157 as Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked in tandem to capitalize on any lapse in concentration from the opposition.
Afghanistan’s troubles continue
Afghanistan’s progress has been marred by an inability to build meaningful partnerships. Openers Abdul Malik (17) i Riaz Hassan (12) went to the start, but could not convert them, while Rahmat Shah (19) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (13) fell to light dismissals. Afsar Zazai and Shahidullah tried to stabilize the innings with short contributions but none could withstand Zimbabwe’s relentless onslaught. Rashid KhanHis counter-attack of 25 off 20 balls provided a late spark but it was not enough to save the innings. Frequent collapses and a 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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Steady start from Zimbabwe in reply
The opening of Zimbabwe, Joylord Gumbie (4 is not out) i Ben Curran (1 not out), they showed composure under the fading light, ensuring there were no early setbacks in their response. Faced with three testing attacks from the Afghan bowlers, they carefully negotiated a delivery from Rashid, Fareed Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai. Although the runs were slow in coming, the duo focused on preserving wickets. Zimbabwe’s batting depth, with experienced batsmen like Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza waiting in the wings, sets them up for a dominant position on Day 2. The hosts will look to capitalize on this solid start and pile on the runs to take complete control of the game.
A brilliant bowling display from Zimbabwe as they beat Afghanistan by 157 on the first day of the inaugural New Year Test.#WINvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝https://t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/JqxnzfFVKr
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 2, 2025
