AFG vs ZIM 2nd Test, Highlights | Afghanistan Triumphs Over Zimbabwe in a Nail-Biting 2nd Test at Queens Sports Club

Afghanistan Triumphs Over Zimbabwe in a Nail-Biting 2nd Test at Queens Sports Club

Scorecard Summary

Afghanistan 1st Innings:
157 all out in 44.3 overs (Rahmat Shah 19, Rashid Khan 25; Newman Nyamhuri 4/23, Blessing Muzarabani 2/56)
Zimbabwe 1st Innings:
243 all out in 73.3 overs (Craig Ervine 75, Sean Williams 49; Rashid Khan 4/94, Yamin Ahmadzai 3/23)
Afghanistan 2nd Innings:
363 all out in 113.5 overs (Rahmat Shah 139, Hashmatullah Shahidi 132; Blessing Muzarabani 5/56, Ngarava 3/76)
Zimbabwe 2nd Innings:
205 all out in 68.3 overs (Craig Ervine 53, Sikandar Raza 38; Rashid Khan 6/67, Zia-ur-Rehman 2/44)

Result: Afghanistan won by 72 runs
Player of the Match: Rashid Khan
Player of the Series: Rahmat Shah

Afghanistan sealed an emphatic 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the 2nd Test of the series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. The match, filled with thrilling turns and moments of brilliance, showcased Afghanistan’s resilience and tactical acumen, especially with Rashid Khan spearheading their bowling attack and claiming both the Player of the Match award and pivotal breakthroughs throughout.

Zimbabwe Opts to Bowl First

Zimbabwe, having won the toss, decided to put Afghanistan into bat under overcast skies. The move proved fruitful early on, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Newman Nyamhuri and Blessing Muzarabani, exploiting the conditions effectively. Afghanistan’s top order faltered as wickets tumbled in quick succession.

Despite the early setbacks, Rashid Khan’s counterattacking 25 off 20 balls provided some respite. However, the Afghan innings folded at a modest 157 in 44.3 overs. Nyamhuri claimed four wickets, while Muzarabani and Raza chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Zimbabwe Takes Control in First Innings

Zimbabwe’s response started with caution, as opener Joylord Gumbie and Ben Curran looked to steady the ship. However, Afghanistan’s Yamin Ahmadzai and Fareed Ahmad struck early to keep the hosts on the back foot. Raza and Sean Williams forged a vital middle-order partnership, adding much-needed stability to Zimbabwe’s innings.

Captain Craig Ervine played a composed knock of 75, anchoring Zimbabwe to a respectable total of 243. Rashid Khan was the standout bowler for Afghanistan, taking four wickets and keeping the run flow in check.

Afghanistan Fights Back in the Second Innings

Facing a deficit of 86 runs, Afghanistan approached their second innings with renewed determination. Opener Abdul Malik fell cheaply, but the experienced Rahmat Shah stood tall. Shah crafted a masterful 139 off 275 deliveries, holding the innings together.

Afghan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi contributed a gritty 132, adding stability to the innings. The pair’s partnership laid a solid foundation, and despite a late flurry of wickets by Zimbabwe’s bowlers, Afghanistan posted a formidable 363. Muzarabani's fiery spell earned him five wickets, but the Zimbabwean bowlers couldn’t prevent Afghanistan from taking a substantial lead.

Rashid Khan Spins Afghanistan to Victory

Set a target of 278, Zimbabwe faced an uphill task on a deteriorating pitch. The chase began steadily, with Gumbie and Curran putting on a solid opening stand. However, Rashid Khan’s magical spell turned the tide. He dismissed key players like Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, dismantling Zimbabwe’s middle order.

Captain Ervine battled valiantly with a fighting 53, but wickets fell around him. Zia-ur-Rehman provided critical breakthroughs alongside Rashid, and Zimbabwe was bowled out for 205 in 68.3 overs. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan's six-wicket haul, ensured a memorable victory for the visitors.

Player of the Match and Series

Rashid Khan was deservedly named Player of the Match for his outstanding bowling performances across both innings, claiming ten wickets in the match. Rahmat Shah, who consistently performed with the bat throughout the series, was awarded the Player of the Series for his remarkable contributions, including his match-defining century in the second innings.

Reflections and Impact

This victory highlights Afghanistan’s rising stature in Test cricket. Rashid Khan's all-round brilliance and the team's ability to bounce back after a poor first innings underline their growing resilience. Zimbabwe, despite their spirited performance, will rue missed opportunities, particularly their inability to capitalize on their first-innings lead.

The series showcased Afghanistan’s depth and ability to perform under pressure, reinforcing their potential as a formidable Test side. The contributions from experienced players like Rahmat Shah and emerging talents like Zia-ur-Rehman provide a solid foundation for their future in red-ball cricket.