Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe’s cost as Afghanistan collapses for 157 on Day 1 of the second Check

The second Check between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Bulawayo started with Zimbabwe asserting dominance on a day crammed with bowling brilliance. After electing to subject first, Zimbabwe’s bowlers exploited the circumstances completely, bundling Afghanistan out for a below-par 157 on Day 1. The visiting batters struggled to search out rhythm, with none managing a rating past 25. Tight strains and relentless strain ensured wickets fell at common intervals, leaving Afghanistan reeling. Zimbabwe’s openers then safely navigated the difficult closing three overs, reaching 6/0 at stumps and trailing by 151 runs.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers led by Sikandar Raza dominate Afghanistan

The Zimbabwean bowling assault delivered a masterclass in self-discipline and execution. Richard Ngarava was unplayable with figures of 1/18 in 12 overs, suffocating the Afghan batters along with his precision. Blessing Muzarabani supplied essential breakthroughs, claiming 2/56, together with the important thing scalp of Shahidullah. Sikandar Raza’s off-spin (3/30) was the standout, dismantling Afghanistan’s center order with flip and refined variations. Newman Nyamhuri (3/42) shone within the later levels, expertly cleansing up the tail. The collective effort restricted Afghanistan to a mere 157, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers labored in tandem to take advantage of each lapse in focus from the opposition.

Afghanistan’s batting woes proceed

Afghanistan’s innings was marred by an lack of ability to construct significant partnerships. Openers Abdul Malik (17) and Riaz Hassan (12) made begins however couldn’t convert them, whereas Rahmat Shah (19) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (13) fell to mushy dismissals. Afsar Zazai and Shahidullah tried to stabilize the innings with temporary contributions, however none may face up to Zimbabwe’s relentless assault. Rashid Khan’s counterattacking 25 off 20 balls supplied a late spark, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to rescue the innings. Frequent collapses and lack of software underlined Afghanistan’s struggles as they have been bowled out in simply 44.3 overs, squandering any likelihood of a aggressive complete.

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Zimbabwe’s regular begin in reply

Zimbabwe’s openers, Joylord Gumbie (4 not out) and Ben Curran (1 not out), confirmed composure underneath the fading mild, guaranteeing no early setbacks of their reply. Going through three probing overs from Afghanistan’s bowlers, they fastidiously negotiated deliveries from Rashid, Fareed Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai. Although runs got here slowly, the duo’s focus was on preserving wickets. Zimbabwe’s batting depth, with skilled campaigners like Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza ready within the wings, units them up for a dominant place on Day 2. The hosts will look to capitalize on this strong begin and pile on the runs to take full management of the match.

Good bowling show by Zimbabwe as they bowl out Afghanistan for 157 on Day 1 of the inaugural New 12 months’s Check.#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝https://t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/JqxnzfFVKr

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 2, 2025