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On the first day of the historic Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe showcased a commanding performance, finishing the day with a score of 363 for 4. The match, which was Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test in 28 years, saw several debutants from both sides, adding to the excitement of the encounter.
Early setback and Ben Curran’s impactful debut
Zimbabwe chose to bat first after winning the toss. The day began with some early jitters as both opener Joylord Gumbie was dismissed early. However, Ben Curran, making his Test debut, was really impressive. He ♊contributed with a brisk 68 off 74 balls, set🍌ting a positive tone for the innings.
Sean Williams shines with a spectacular century
Although, it was Sean Williams who stole the show, hitting a sensational century 👍and remaining unbeaten on 145. His innings was marked by skillful footwork and an array of shots, including drives, cuts, and pulls, helping him reach♈ his fifth Test century in Bulawayo with a control percentage of 90 on a surface that offered turn.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan not playing the Bo🐼xing Day Test
Craig Ervine’s steady support in crucial partnership
Supporting Williams, Craig Ervine played an unbeaten knock of 56, contributing to an unbroken partnership of 143 for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Dion Myers added useful runs with scores of 27 and 27 respectively, though they couldn’t convert their starts into substantial innings.
Afghanistan’s bowling struggles in Rashid Khan’s absence
For Afghanistan, the absence of star player Rashid Khan, who pulled out due to personal reasons, was felt as their bowling attack struggled to make inroads. Allah Ghazanfar, making his Test debut, picked up two wickets but couldn’t prevent Zimbabwe from posting a strong total. The Afghan bowlers, particularly the spinners, found it challenging to contain the Zimbabwean batters on a pitch that seemed to favor the home side.
The day was also marked by weather concerns, with forecasts predicting rain throughout the match, potentially affecting the game’s progress. However, on Day 1, play was uninterrupted, allowing Zimbabwe to establish a dominant position.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here’s why Team India 𝓀players are wearing black arm bands on Day 2 of the 4th Test against Australia
Here is how Twitter reacted
A fifth Test ton for Sean Williams 🙌
— ICC (@ICC)
SEAN WILLIAMS! Our Zimbabwean legend crosses the li♉ne for a magnificent century.
His fifth in test cricket and a phenomenal one𝕴 for Zimbabꦺwe.
Very proud! Onwards we go!
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos)
I've said it in past, I'll say it again.
Sean Williams is the greatest ever to hold ☂a criꦦcket bat for Zimbabwe.
— Udit (@Merovaeous)
Take a bow Sean Williams! 🔯You’ve lifted༺ the mood of entire Zimbabwe 👏🏻👏🏻
Smaꦉshing a test century against the likes of Ghazanfar, Zahir and Omarzai isn’tꦆ easy!
It's just sad to see him playing just 16 Tests in all these years.
— Krishna Raj (@rajkrishna52)
Fifth Test century for Sean Williams 🙌 📝
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv)
Magnificent knock from Seaಞn Williams as he celebrates his teꦗst century in Bulawayo
Via
— Zim-Celebs (@zimcelebs1)
Sean Williams with a BIG 100 for and his family. What a knock! This is what it's about ❤️🇿🇼🏏
— Mamzi (@GodwillMamhiyo)
Sean Williams is back at his best.
— Sulay 🏏☘️ (@Sulay177)
Led by Sean Williams's unbeaten 145, Zimbabwe posted 363 for 4 on the opening day against Afghanistan.
— Olivia Asha (@AshaOliviaUSA)
What an Innings by Sean Williams
— Kawal (@bandaofrabb)