The second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Bulawayo began with Zimbabwe asserting dominance on a day filled with bowling brilliance. After electing to field first, Zimbabwe’s bowlers exploited the conditions perfectly, bundling Afghanistan out for a below-par 157 on Day 1. The visiting batters struggled to find rhythm, with none managing a score beyond 25. Tight lines and relentless pressure ensured wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Afghanistan reeling. Zimbabwe’s openers then safely navigated the tricky final three overs, reaching 6/0 at stumps and trailing by 151 runs.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers led by Sikandar Raza dominate Afghanistan

The Zimbabwean bowling attack delivered a masterclass in discipline and execution. Richard Ngarava was unplayable with figures of 1/18 in 12 overs, suffocating the Afghan batters with his precision. Blessing Muzarabani provided crucial breakthroughs, claiming 2/56, including the key scalp of Shahidullah. Sikandar Raza’s off-spin (3/30) was the standout, dismantling Afghanistan’s middle order with turn and subtle variations. Newman Nyamhuri (3/42) shone in the later stages, expertly cleaning up the tail??. The collective effort restricted Afghanistan to a mere 157, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked in tandem to exploit every lapse in concentration from the opposition.

Afghanistan’s batting woes continue

Afghanistan’s innings was marred by an inability to build meaningful partnerships. Openers Abdul Malik (17) and Riaz Hassan (12) made starts but couldn’t convert them, while Rahmat Shah (19) and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (13) fell to soft dismissals. Afsar Zazai and Shahidullah tried to stabilize the innings with brief contributions, but none could withstand Zimbabwe’s relentless attack. Rashid Khan’s counterattacking 25 off 20 b??alls provided a late spark, but it wasn’t enough to rescue the innings. Frequent collapses and lack of application underlined Afghanistan’s struggles as they were bowled out in just 44.3 overs, squandering any chance of a competitive total.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Bulawayo Weather Forecast For All 5 Da??ys | Zi??mbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024-25

Zimbabwe’s steady start in reply

Zimbabwe’s openers, Joylord Gumbie (4 not out) and Ben Curran (1 not out), showed composure under the fading light, ensuring no early setbacks in their reply. Facing three probing overs from Afghanistan’s bowlers, they carefully negotiated deliveries from Rashid, Fareed Ahmad and Yamin Ahmadzai. Though runs came slowly, the duo’s focus was on preserving wickets. Zimbabwe’s batting depth, with experienced campaigners like Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza waiting in the wings, sets them up for a dominant pos??ition on Day 2. The hosts will look to capitalize on this solid start and pile on the runs to take full control of the match.

Brilliant bowling display by Zimbabwe as they bowl out Afghanistan for 157 on Day 1 of the inaugural New Year’s Test.#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝//t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/JqxnzfFVKr

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 2, 2025

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2025, 2nd Test: Queens Spo??rts Club P?itch Report, Bulawayo Test stats and Records

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The second and final Test of the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan series is set to begin on Thursday, January ?2, at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Both teams will aim for a decisive victory after the first Test ended in a? high-scoring draw.

First Test Recap: A Batting Fest

The opening Test saw a run-fest, with batters from both sides enjoying their time at the crease. Zimbabwe posted a massive 586 runs in their first innings, powered by Sean Williams’ 154, Craig Ervine’s 104 and Brian Bennett’s unbeaten 110. Debutant Ben Curran also contributed with a half-century.

Afghanistan responded with an equally dominant performance, amassing 699 runs. The visitors were led by brilliant double-centuries from Rahmat Shah and Hashm?atullah Shahidi, with Afsar Zazai adding a century to the tally. When the game ended in a draw, Zimbabwe were at 142/4 in their second innings.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2025, 2nd Test – Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Cricket Tips & Pitch Report

Bulawayo Weather Forecast for 2nd ZIM vs AFG Test

The second Test ??faces the looming threat of rain, with persistent showers forecasted throughout the match:

Thursday (Day 1): Moderate rain with a 70% chance of precipitation could lead t??o delays.

Friday (Day 2): He??avy rain and a 94% precipitation forecast may r??esult in little to no play.

Saturday (Day 3): Another? day of heavy rain, with an 89% chance of precipitation, th?reatens further interruptions.

Sunday (Day 4): Moderate rain with an 80% chance of pre??cipitation could still disr??upt proceedings.

Monday (Day 5): Rain persists, but a relatively lower 65% precipitat?ion forecast offers a glimmer of hope for some play.

The stakes for the match

With the series on the line, both teams will need to adapt quickly to the weather conditions and maximize any opportunities to secure a result. Zimbabwe will rely on their strong batting lineup, while Afghanistan’s powerful response in the first Test showcases their potential to clinch victory.

Fans and players alike will be hoping for clear spells to decide the fate of the?? series in Bulawayo.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2025, 2nd Test – Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Bulawayo Test stats and Records

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

As Zimbabwe and Afghanistan lock horns once again in the second and final Test match of the series, the memory of raining runs is still fresh in the minds of both the teams. The Queens Sports Club became a paradise for batte??rs of both the teams in the previous encounter, even though the match ended in a draw.

The hosts will look forward to continuing the batting streak they gained in the first Test. Afghanistan, however, disappointed at the outcome of the previous Test due to rain on the final day and a?? brave resistance from Zimbabwean batters, would look forward to claim a series win in Zimbabwe and end the tour with their heads held high.

Queens Sports Club Pitch Report

T??he pitch at the Queens Sports Club is expected to remain batting-friendly like the Boxing Day Test. However, as on the final day of the previous Test, a gentle shower from the rain gods can change its nature slightly for this Tes??t as well. The pitch is expected to have some turn as the Test match reaches its final days of action. Thus, spin bowlers can cause some trouble to batters as the match progresses.

Weather can play a crucial role in a team’s decision to bat or bowl first after winning the toss. However, given the way pitch has behaved in the previous Test, the team winning the toss will generally tilt towards batting first and exerting scoreboard pressure on the other team.

Test Stats and Records at Queens Sports Club

• Total Matches: 26
• Matches won batting first: 4
• Matches won bowling first: 12
• Average 1st innings score: 318
• Average 2nd innings score: 407
• Average 3rd innings score: 210
• Average 4th innings score: 175
• Highest total recorded: 713/3 (165.3 Overs) by Sri Lanka vs Zimbabwe
• Lowest total recorded: 104/10 (49 Overs) by Zimbabwe vs West Indies

Also Read: ZIM v??s AFG: After Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi smashes double century for Afghanistan in the first Test at Bulawayo

ZIM vs AFG: Head-to-head record in Test cricket

• Total matches: 3
• Afghanistan won: 1
• Zimbabwe won: 1
• Drawn matches: 1
• Afghanistan’s highest total against Zimbabwe: 699
• Afghanistan’s lowest total Against Zimbabwe: 131
• Zimbabwe’s highest total against Afghanistan: 586
• Zimbabwe’s lowest total against Afghanistan: 250

Squads:

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc), Ikram Alikhail (wk), Afsar Zazai (wk), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan,?? Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, and ??Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion?? Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhur?i, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.

Also Read: Bulawayo’s Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanista??n ends in a run fest draw

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After an exemplary batting display in the first Test which ultimately resulted in a draw, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan are set to face each other i??n the ?final Test match of the series.

Zimbabwe started this series at the backdrop of a crushing defeat against the Afghans in the ODI series. The home side will hence look forward to some sort of redemption and build on the batting prowess they displayed in the 1st Test. On the other hand, the visiting side managed to draw the 1st clash against all odds due to splendid knocks from captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah. The Afghanistan side will aim to defeat ?the Zimbabweans and end their tour to the African nation with their heads held high.

Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25, 2nd Test

• Start date and time: January 2; 1:30 pm IST/ 10:00 am local/ 8:00 am GMT
• Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Queens Sports Club Pitch Report

The pitch at the Queens Sports Club is expected to be a batting paradise as in the previous Test. However due to recent rain and humidity in the atmosphere, the??re is some help to bowlers from the pitch particularly as the game progresses towards Day 4 and 5. Teams are likely to go for bat first after winning the toss and take maximum advantage of the favourable conditions for batting.

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Dream11 Prediction Picks

• Wicket-keeper: Afsar Zazai
• Batters: Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ben Curran
• All-Rounders: Sean Williams, Azmatullah Omarzai, Brian Bennett
• Bowlers: Blessing Muzarabani, AM Ghazanfar, Zahir Khan

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain

Choice 1: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Rahmat Shah (vc)
Choice 2: Sean Williams (c), Brian Benett (vc)

Also Read: ZIM vs AFG: After Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi smashes double century f?or Afghanistan in the first Test at Bulawayo

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Dream11 Prediction Backups

C?raig Ervine, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar, Na??veed Zadran

ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Dream11 Team for today’s match (January 2, 8:00 am GMT)

Squads:

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervin??e (c), Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Ben Curran, Joylord Gumbie (wk), Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion M?yers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Abdul Malik, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Bahir Shah, Bashir Ahmad, Fareed Ahmad, A??M Ghazanfar, Ikram Alikhil, Ismat Alam, Naveed Zadran, Rahmat Shah, Rashid Khan, Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Yamin Ahmadzai, Zahir Khan, Zahir Shehzad, Zia-ur-Rehman Ak??bar

Also  [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman cleans? up Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on Day 2? of the first Test

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The Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Bulawayo concluded in a high-scoring draw, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess. Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 in the first innings, led by stellar centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett. Afghanistan responded with a monumental 699, courtesy of a double century from Hashmatullah Shahidi and a brilliant knock by Rahmat Shah. With little time left on the final day, Zimbabwe reached 142/??4 in their ?second innings, ensuring the game ended in a stalemate.

Zimbabwe sets the tone with a mammoth first innings total

Zimbabwe’s first innings was a masterclass in composure and strategic play. Williams led the charge with a commanding 154 off 174 balls, supported by Ervine’s patient 104. The duo’s 200-run partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s imposing total of 586. Bennett added a quickfire 110 not out, accelerating the scoring in the latter stages. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s batters. Naveed Zadran and Zahir Khan chipped in with two wickets each but couldn’t prevent the hosts from amassing a substantial total. By the close of play on Day 1, Zimbabwe had already signaled their intent. Second day saw Afghanistan begin their response cautiously, reaching 95/2 by stumps, with Rahmat and Shahidi starting to build a formidable partnership.

Also READ: Can India reach? the WTC 2023-25 final? Here’s how sta??ndings look after Australia’s Melbourne Test win

Afghanistan’s top order dominates: Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan’s reply was anchored by a historic partnership between Rahmat and Shahidi. Rahmat’s marathon knock of 234 and Shahidi’s masterful 246 were the cornerstones of Afghanistan’s total of 699. Their partnership of 364 for the third wicket left Zimbabwe’s bowlers frustrated. Afsar Zazai contributed a crucial 113, adding depth to the innings. Despite valiant efforts, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Bennett’s five-wicket hau??l, couldn’t prevent Afghanistan from taking the lead. By the fourth day, Afghanistan had firmly established their dominance, but with no time left to enforce a result, the match seemed destined for a draw.

Highest individual score for Afghanistan i??n Test cricket 🏏

246: Hashmatullah Shahidi vs Zimbabwe, 2024

234: Rahmat Shah vs Zimbabwe, 2024#cricket #ZIMvAFG #HashmatullahShahidi #RahmatShah pic.twitter.com/CkIZoe19z0

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024

Zimbabwe holds firm to force a draw

Zimbabwe’s second innings started with a mix of caution and aggression as they aimed to erase Afghanistan’s slender lead. Joylord Gumbie (24) and Ben Curran (41) provided a steady start, but quick wickets from Zahir Khan and Gha??zanfar threatened to derail their innings. However, Williams (35 not out) and Ervine (22 not out) stabilized the chase, steering Zimbabwe to 142/4 before stumps. The disciplined efforts of Afghanistan’s bowlers weren’t enough to secure a breakthrough as Zimbabwe successfully batted out the final session. The match?? ended in a hard-fought draw, with both teams taking valuable positives from a game that highlighted their batting depth and resilience.

MATCH DRAWN! 🚨

The first test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan has been drawn. 👍#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/JLd5QKuzWe

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 30, 2024

Also READ: AUS vs IND: Ravi Shastri, Michael Vaughan reveal their?? top 3 greatest Indian batters

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In a historic performance during the first Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Afghanistan’s captain Hashmatullah Shahidi achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his second double century, contributing significantly to his team’s fightback. This achievement comes on the heels of teammate Rahmat Shah, who earlier struck his maiden Test double hundred, leading to an u?nprecedented partnership between the two.

A record-breaking partnership between Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi

Rahmat and Shahidi formed a record 364-run stand, which is now the highest partnership for any wicket in Afghanistan’s Test history. Their efforts helped Afghanistan recover from a challenging position after Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 runs in their first innings.

By the end of lunch on Day 5, Afghanistan were 656 for 4, with Shahidi remaining unbeaten on 236  and Shahidullah Kamal on 10.

Shahidi’s knock not only set a new Afghan record for individual scores in Test cricket but also surpassed Rahmat’s previous record of 234, achieved against Zimbabwe on the fourth day of the ongoing Test. He has so far smashed 20 fours during his stay in the middle, showcasing his dominance at the crease.

With his double century, Shahidi also became the first Afghan player to score two double hundreds in Test cricket, further solidifying his status as one of the key figures in Afghanistan’s batting lineup.

Also READ: AUS vs IND – Snickometer operator explains the absence of a spike during Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dismissal

Match Context

The match has turned into a run-fest, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess. Zimbabwe, who won the toss and elected to bat first, built posted a massive total in their first innings; thanks to centuries from Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104) and Brian Bennett (110 not out).

However, the Zimbabwean side struggled to contain the Afghan batters??, who capitalized on wayward bowling and poor fielding from the hosts.

Day 5, Lunch

Afghanistan: 656/4, lead by 70 runs

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: 236*#cricket #ZIMvAFG #HashmatullahShahidi pic.twitter.com/wrlLyIdpHg

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024

Also READ: Fans react as Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi’s marathon stand revives Afghanistan’s hopes against Zimbabwe on Day 3 of Bulawayo Test

For latest cricket news & updates, visit betvisa68.com.

Afghanistan started the third day at 95/2, trailing Zimbabwe by a massive 491 runs. The pressure was on their batters to deliver a resilient performance against a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling attack. Rising to the occasion, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi constructed a marathon partnership that not only stabilized Afghanistan’s innings but also displayed their grit and skill at the Test level. By stumps, Afghanistan have reached an imposing 425/2, trailing by just 161 runs with Rahmat and Shahidi firmly in control.

Rahmat Shah’s record-breaking double century

Rahmat was the standout performer, producing an unbeaten 231, one of the most significant Test innings in Afghanistan’s cricket history. Facing 416 deliveries, his innings was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. Rahmat’s ability to rotate strike and dispatch loose deliveries kept the Zimbabwean bowlers under constant pressure. His crisp stroke play, including 23 boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his dominance at the crease. Rahmat also showcased remarkable concentration, with his milestone moments – reaching 100 off 198 balls and later 200 off 371 balls – punctuating an innings of immense maturity. Rahmat further joined the elite club by becoming only the second Afghan batter after Shahidi to score a double century in Tests.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG:?? Here’s why Rashid K??han not playing the Boxing Day Test

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s gritty support anchors Afghanistan

Shahidi complemented Rahmat brilliantly with a steady 141 not out off 276 balls. While Rahmat played the aggressor’s role, Shahidi anchored the partnership, displaying his sound technique and temperament. His knock included 16 boundaries, with his fifty coming off 108 balls and his century off 201 deliveries. Shahidi’s ability to occupy the crease for extended periods allowed Afghanistan to rebuild after the early losses of Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik. Together,?? Rahmat and Shahidi put on an unbroken 361-run partnership for the third wicket, a record-breaking stand for Afghanistan in Test cricket.

Zimbabwe’s bowling struggles on a flat track

Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled hard on a flat Bulawayo surface that offered little assistance. Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu managed to claim early wickets, but the attack lacked the penetration to trouble Rahmat and Shahidi. Sean Williams and Brandon Mavuta bowled lengthy spells without success, as Afghanistan capitalized on the conditions. The hosts’ inability to generate reverse swing or extract turn further eased the task for the Afghan batters, who batted with remarkable discipline and intent.

With two days remaining and Afghanistan trailing by just 161 runs, the match is intriguingly poised. Zimbabwe will look to regroup and strategize to break the Rahmat-Shahidi partnership early on Day 4 to regain control of the game. On the other hand, Afghanistan will aim to surpass Zimbabwe’s total and set up a competitive contest.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Rahmat Shah once again showing the class act that he is. Sediq and he are going to be important players for Afg at the Champs trophy. #ZimvsAfg

— Srinath (@srinathb) December 28, 2024

Congratulations to both Rahmat Shah and Hashmat shahidi for record making partnerships to bring Afghanistan back in the game. Afghanistan should continue till tea tomorrow to put some pressure on zim .@RahmatShah_08 @Hashmat_50 pic.twitter.com/oySoUPBvx2

— Taj Malik Alam (@TajMalokAlam) December 28, 2024

𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃! 💯💯@RahmatShah_08 puts on a magnificent batting performance as he brings up an incredible double hundred in the ongoing test match against Zimbabwe. 🙌�?��

A batting display to remember for a long, long time, Shah G! 👏#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG |�?pic.twitter.com/WdwOZb6OCl

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 28, 2024

Calm, composed, and calculated! Incredible, just incredible from the ever-reliable @RahmatShah_08.

MA SHA ALLAH, a fantastic batting performance, Shah G! Keep them coming. 🤩👏🙌 pic.twitter.com/8nzqsQnOGe

— Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) December 28, 2024

Meanwhile, Rahmat Shah & Shahidi have batted the whole day in Bulawayo. Insane. #ZimvAfg

— Saresh Saha (@CricSar) December 28, 2024

Excellent knock by Shah G!! Kept his nerves calm. I hope we can play test series against England & New Zealand next. @RahmatShah_08 pic.twitter.com/eMy9biM2ix

— ابراهیم. 🇦🇫 (@TheKabulWala) December 28, 2024

Wow, Rahmat ??Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi have stitched a 350 run stand.

Double ton for Rahmat Shah🔥

— Mayank (@ImMayankB) December 28, 2024

Captain Hashmatullah ??Shahidi brings up his 2??nd Test century!

He's unbeaten on 131, sharing a 303-run partnership with Rahmat Shah.

His 2nd ton against Zimbabwe, showcasing his mastery! #AFGvZIM #HashmatullahShahidi pic.twitter.com/bCAbMKltNe

— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) December 28, 2024

The game is finely in the balance as Afghanistan managed to bat through the day, ending Day 3 on 425/2 trailing Zimbabwe by 161 runs.#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝 //t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/tilcuRNEDG

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 28, 2024

2️⃣nd Test hundred by Rahmat Shah 👏🏏#CricketTwitter #ZIMvAFG #rahmatshah #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/1S8M7G0cjF

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024

Also WATCH: Sam Konstas hilariously taunts Indian fans by mimicking Virat Kohli�?�s shoulder barge during MCG Test

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On Day 2 of the first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Afghanistan’s left-arm off-spinner Zia-ur-Rehman provided a much-needed breakthrough for his team. He clean bowled Zimbabwe’s lower-order batter, Brandon Mavuta, who was dismissed for a duck. The wicket came in the 111th over of Zimbabwe’s innings, when Mavuta faced just two deliveries.

Brandon Mavuta’s dismissal: A classic off-spinners delight

In a beautifully executed delivery, Rehman bowled a left-arm off-spin that pitched on leg stump and spun sharply to strike the top of off stump. Mavuta, attempting to defend, played the wrong line, and the ball turned viciously to hit the stumps. The dismissal came at a critical moment, as Mavuta was sent packing for a duck. Rehman’s celebration was a testament to the quality of his bowling, and it was a crucial wicket for Afghanistan.

Here is the video:

pic.twitter.com/MPW7iLEJtp

— Acb Xtra (@123of143) December 27, 2024

Before taking Mavuta’s wicket, Rehman had already made an impact by dismissing Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine. Ervine, who had been in su??perb form, was the top scorer for Zimbabwe with a magnificent 104 runs. His dismi??ssal at such a crucial point brought some relief to Afghanistan, easing the pressure on their bowlers. Rehman’s timely breakthroughs were pivotal in slowing down Zimbabwe’s dominating momentum.

Also READ: Zimbabwe’s batti?ng fireworks lead to historic high against Afghanistan on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test

Zimbabwe’s dominant batting performance

Despite Rehman’s efforts, Zimbabwe’s batting performance in their first innings was exceptional. After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a mammoth total of 586. The innings featured three centurions: Sean Williams, Brian Bennett, and the aforementioned Ervine. The Zimbabwean?? batsmen were in complete control, with their partnership building steadily, leaving Afghanistan struggling to break ??through.

Afghanistan’s response has been challenging, as they reached 95 for the loss of two wickets by the end of Day 2. They trail Zimbabwe by a mas??sive 491 runs, facing an uphill battle t?o match Zimbabwe’s total.

Also WATCH: Temper raises as Virat Kohli nearly clashes with Australian fans on Day 2? of AUS vs IND Test

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Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid Khan has skipped the much-awaited Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed that Rashid’s absence is due to personal reasons, specifically his commitment to a charity event.

Details of Rashid Khan’s absence

Rashid, who has not played a Test match since March 2021, was initially included in the 18-member squad for the two-match series against Zimbabwe. However, he withdrew from the opening Test a day before the scheduled start of the match. An ACB official stated, “He is away for a charity event for the first Test, as far as I am aware,” clarify?ing that his focus was on this important commitment rather than participating i?n the match.

Rashid’s performance in Test cricket

Rashid Khan has been a pivotal player for Afghanistan, known for his exceptional bowling skills and ability to change the course of a game. His record in Test cricket includes 34 wickets in just five matches, with an impressive bowling average of 22.35. Despite his talent, Rashid has faced challenges with injuries that have kept him out of several recent Test series, including those against New Zealand and others earlier this year.The leg-spinner’s absence is a significant blow to the Afghanistan team as they look to build on their recent success in limited-overs formats. Afghanistan recently secured a 2-1 victory in a T20I series against Zimbabwe and aims to carry that momentum into the Test arena.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG – Bulawayo Weather Forecast for the Boxing Day Test | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024

The second Test is set to take place at the same venue from January 2, 2025, and it is expected that ??Rashid will rejoin the squad for that game.

ZIM vs AFG: Playing XI of both teams

Afghanistan: Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Allah Ghazanfar??, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Naveed Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, Za??hir Khan

Zimbabwe: Joylord Gumbie (wk), Ben C??urran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Dion Myers, Brandon Mavuta, Bri??an Bennett, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1st Test – Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Bulawayo Test stats and Records

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