The first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at 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, marking their highest-ever total in Test cricket. The innings featured scintillating centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett, each showcasing skill and temperament. By stumps on Day 2, Afghanistan were precariously placed at 95/2, trailing by 491 runs with Rahmat Shah unbeaten on 49.
Zimbabwe’s highest-ever total: A masterclass in batting
Zimbabwe’s innings were built on strong partnerships and brilliant individual performances. Williams led the charge with a majestic 154, crafted off 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 stand that swung the momentum heavily in Zimbabwe’s favor. Ervine’s gritty 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, showcasing flair and confidence. His knock, studded with five fours and four sixes, provided the perfect flourish to Zimbabwe’s innings. Partnerships flourished throughout, with contributions from Ben Curran (68) and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (46) ensuring no respite for the Afghan bowlers. The monumental total of 586 is now a landmark achievement in Zimbabwe’s Test history.
Allah Ghazanfar’s promising debut despite Afghanistan’s bowling struggles
Afghanistan’s bowlers had a challenging outing, as Zimbabwe dictated terms with ease. Among the bowlers, debutant Allah Ghazanfar stood out, claiming 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Despite the steep learning curve of Test cricket, Ghazanfar showed promise with his variations and control. Zia-ur-Rehman (2/101) and Naveed Zadran (2/109) chipped in with wickets but lacked the consistency to trouble Zimbabwe’s batters. Azmatullah Omarzai and Zahir Khan managed one wicket each but were largely ineffective against the determined Zimbabwean lineup.
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Afghanistan’s response: A slow and cautious start
Faced with an enormous deficit, Afghanistan’s response began on a shaky note, losing opener Sediqullah Atal early for just 3 runs. Abdul Malik contributed a patient 23 before falling to Blessing Muzarabani’s disciplined bowling. Rahmat, however, stood firm, compiling a well-crafted 49 off 95 balls. His innings, featuring five boundaries and a six, was the only bright spot for Afghanistan on the second day.
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi supported him with an unbeaten 16, and the pair will need to anchor the innings further to avoid the follow-on. As the second day ended, the hosts held a commanding position, with Afghanistan still trailing by 491 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, already made early inroads into the Afghan lineup, signaling a long and challenging road ahead for the visitors.
Zimbabwe claimed two important wickets before the close 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 third day’s play is scheduled to start at 9:40 a.m#ZIMvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024