Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Match Preview, 2nd Test

Afghanistan Team. (Photo Source: Zimbabwe Cricket/X)

Zimbabwe (ZIM) and Afghanistan (AFG) are all set to continue their ongoing two-match Test series. Both sides will lock horns in the second Test of the series at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, from January 2, 2025. The first Test of the series ended in a draw in a rain-curtailed game.

Zimbabwe started strong with a record-breaking 586 in their first innings, surpassing their previous Test best of 563/9 against the West Indies in 2001. Sean Williams anchored the innings with 154, while Craig Ervine’s 104 and the 21-year-old Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 110 helped the hosts put up a big first-inning total. Afghanistan’s bowlers struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s batting onslaught, with AM Ghazanfar leading the attack with 3/127.

Afghanistan replied with a 699, their highest Test total, surpassing their previous best of 545/4 against the same opposition in 2021. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi led from the front with a career-best 246, supported by Rahmat Shah’s 234 in a historic 364-run third-wicket partnership. Wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai added a maiden Test century, scoring 113. For the hosts, Brian Bennett was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball as he finished with figures of 5/95.

The match’s conclusion saw Zimbabwe fight to save the game. Reduced to 142/4 in their second innings, the hosts relied on the experienced pair of Sean Williams (35 not out) and Craig Ervine (22 not out) to steady the innings. Rain played a crucial role in stopping play during the final session, helping Zimbabwe to secure a draw.

Match Details

Pitch Report

The surface at the Queens Sports Club is quite balanced. With ample help available to both the batters and the bowlers, an equally challenging clash could be on the cards for both sides in the upcoming fixture at this venue. The team batting first is expected to get an advantage and they can score big runs earlier in the five-day game.

Head-to-Head Record

Probable Playing XIs

Zimbabwe:

Predicted XI:  Joylord Gumbie (wk), Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Dion Myers, Brandon Mavuta, Brian Bennett, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.

Afghanistan:

Predicted XI: Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), AM Ghazanfar, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Naveed Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan.

Disclaimer: This latest news is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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