Zimbabwe’s batting fireworks result in historic excessive in opposition to Afghanistan on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Take a look at

The primary Take a look at between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports activities Membership, Bulawayo, witnessed a outstanding show of batting supremacy by the hosts. Zimbabwe posted an imposing whole of 586 of their first innings, marking their highest-ever whole in Take a look at cricket. The innings featured scintillating centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett, every showcasing ability and temperament. By stumps on Day 2, Afghanistan had been precariously positioned at 95/2, trailing by 491 runs with Rahmat Shah unbeaten on 49.

Zimbabwe’s highest-ever whole: A masterclass in batting

Zimbabwe’s innings had been constructed on robust partnerships and good particular person performances. Williams led the cost with an imposing 154, crafted off 174 deliveries. His innings, laced with ten boundaries and three sixes, was a masterclass in shot choice and resilience. Williams and Ervine added 150 runs for the fifth wicket, a stand that swung the momentum closely in Zimbabwe’s favor. Ervine’s gritty 104, his tenth Take a look at century, got here off 176 balls and was a testomony to his expertise and composure.

Bennett additional cemented Zimbabwe’s dominance with an aggressive 110 not out, showcasing aptitude and confidence. His knock, studded with 5 fours and 4 sixes, offered the right flourish to Zimbabwe’s innings. Partnerships flourished all through, with contributions from Ben Curran (68) and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (46) guaranteeing no respite for the Afghan bowlers. The monumental whole of 586 is now a landmark achievement in Zimbabwe’s Take a look at historical past.

Allah Ghazanfar’s promising debut regardless of Afghanistan’s bowling struggles

Afghanistan’s bowlers had a difficult outing, as Zimbabwe dictated phrases with ease. Among the many bowlers, debutant Allah Ghazanfar stood out, claiming 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Regardless of the steep studying curve of Take a look at cricket, Ghazanfar confirmed promise together with his variations and management. Zia-ur-Rehman (2/101) and Naveed Zadran (2/109) chipped in with wickets however lacked the consistency to hassle Zimbabwe’s batters. Azmatullah Omarzai and Zahir Khan managed one wicket every however had been largely ineffective in opposition to the decided Zimbabwean lineup.

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Afghanistan’s response: A sluggish and cautious begin

Confronted with an unlimited deficit, Afghanistan’s response started on a shaky be aware, dropping opener Sediqullah Atal early for simply 3 runs. Abdul Malik contributed a affected person 23 earlier than falling to Blessing Muzarabani’s disciplined bowling. Rahmat, nonetheless, stood agency, compiling a well-crafted 49 off 95 balls. His innings, that includes 5 boundaries and a six, was the one brilliant spot for Afghanistan on the second day.

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi supported him with an unbeaten 16, and the pair might want to anchor the innings additional to keep away from the follow-on. Because the second day ended, the hosts held a commanding place, with Afghanistan nonetheless trailing by 491 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, already made early inroads into the Afghan lineup, signaling a protracted and difficult highway forward for the guests.

Zimbabwe claimed two vital wickets earlier than the shut of play on Day 2 of the primary Take a look at in opposition to Afghanistan after posting their highest-ever Take a look at rating of 586. Afghanistan path by 491 runs at stumps.

The third day’s play is scheduled to start out at 9:40 a.m#ZIMvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024