On the fourth day of the second and final Test match at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani delivered a sensational performance including a fiery bouncer from Muzarabani dismissed Afghanistan’s all-rounder Rashid Khan.

Blessing Muzarabani’s lethal bouncer

In the 98th over of Afghanistan’s second innings ball delivered by Muzarabani, climbing sharply off a good length, caught Rashid off guard. In a defensive attempt, Rashid fended at the delivery, only for it to pop off his gloves into the hands of wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie. Without waiting for the umpire’s decision, Rashid walked off, scoring 23 runs off 27 balls. This dismissal marked a historic mi?lestone for Muzarabani, earning him his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Here is the video:

The first of many for Blessing Muzarabani! 👏🏻

Muzarabani ripped through the Afghan batting line-up to bag his first five-for in Tests 💪#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/Uu9yEKW1mW

— FanCode (@FanCode) January 5, 2025

Muzarabani’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. In Afghanistan’s second innings, the 28-year-old pacer scalped six wickets in 29 overs, including five maide?ns, at an impressive economy rate of 3.30. His efforts placed him in the record books with the eighth-best bowling figures in an innings for Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Adding to his first-innings tally of two wickets, Muzarabani finished the match with a remarkable total of eight dismissals, cementing ??his dominance in the series-deciding Test.

Also READ: Travis Head rubs salt on India’s WTC and ODI WC agony with an Ins??tagram story after Australia’s BGT victory

Afghanistan’s fightback: Rashid Khan’s heroics with the ball

Despite Muzarabani’s heroics, Afghanistan remained in the contest thanks to Rashid’s stellar bowling performance. Rashid claimed six wickets in Zimbabwe’s second innings, maintaining his status as the game-changer for Afghanistan. His relentless attack left Zimbabwe reeling at 205 for 8 by the end of Day 4, still requiring 73 ?runs to secure victory in the nail-b?iting decider.

Zimbabwe’s hope: Captain Craig Ervine stands tall

The only glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe lies in their skipper, Craig Ervine. Battling with resilience, Erv??ine remained unbeaten at stumps with a fighting 53 off 97 balls. His determined innings has kept Zimbabwe’s hopes alive, though th??e team faces an uphill battle with just two wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Also READ: Here’s the updated ?WTC 2023-25 points table after India loses the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against ??Australia

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On the second day of the second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s middle-order batter Sean Williams demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship during the spell of Rashid Khan.

Sean Williams displays exemplary sportsmanship

In the 66th over of Zimbabwe’s innings, bowled by Afghanistan’s star leg-spinner Rashid, Williams was initially declared not out by the umpire following a loud appeal for a caught-behind dismissal. Despite the lack of a Decision Review System (DRS) in play, Williams, batting on 49, chose to walk off after realizing he had edged the ball to the keeper. The gesture drew applause from Rashid and the Afghan players, underscoring the spirit of cricket. Williams’ innings ended with 49 runs off 52 balls, including eight fours.

Here is the video: 

Superb sportsmanship by Sean Williams! 🫡

Even though the umpire did not give him out, the Zimbabwe batter walked off, knowing he had nicked the ball! 👏🏻#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/F3jT3fLDjb

— FanCode (@FanCode) January 3, 2025

Rashid continued to demonstrate why he is Afghanistan’s premier bowler across all formats. The 26-??year-old leg-spinner delivered a masterful spell in Zimbabwe’s first innings, claiming four wickets for 94 runs in 27.3 overs at an economy rate of 3.40. His control, variations, and skill with the googly were on full display, solidifying his reputation as the leading wicket-taker for Afghanistan.

Also READ: IPL 2025: 3 reasons wh??y Rashid? Khan can replace Shubman Gill as Gujarat Titans�?captain

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan: Series hangs in the balance

At the close of Day 2, Afghanistan had reached 46 for the loss of three wickets, trailing Zimbabwe’s first-innings total by 40 runs. Rahmat Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman remained on the crease, looking to steady the ship for Afghanistan in the crucial third day. With both batters showcasing s??olid technique, Afghanistan will aim to establish a significant lead to put Zimbabwe under pressure in the second innings.

Following the drawn first Test, this second and final match of the series presents a golden opportunity for? both teams to secure a series victory. The contest remains evenly poised, with Zimbabw??e and Afghanistan each vying to outplay the other over the remaining days.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: After Rahmat Shah, captain Hash?matullah Shahidi smashes double century for Afghanistan i??n the first Test at Bulawayo

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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-sc?oring 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 r?uns. The visitors were led by brilliant double-centuries from Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, with Afsar Zazai adding a century to the tally. Whe??n 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 t?hroughout the match:

Thursday (Day 1): Moderate rain with a 70% chance of precipitation could lea??d to delays.

Friday (Day 2): Heavy rain and a 94% p??recipitation fore?cast may result in little to no play.

Saturday (Day 3): Another day of heavy ra?in, with an?? 89% chance of precipitation, threatens further interruptions.

Sunday (Day 4): Moderate rain with an 80% chance of prec??ipitation could still disrupt proceedings.

Monday (Day 5): Rain persists, but a relatively lower ?65% pre??cipitation 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 a??like 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

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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 batters 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 du?e to rain on the final day and a brave resistance from Zimbabwean batters, would look forward to claim a series win in Zimbabwe and en??d the tour with their heads held high.

Queens Sports Club Pitch Report

The 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 Test 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 vs AFG: After Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi smashes ?double ce??ntury 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 Za??dr??an, and Fareed Ahmad Malik.

Zimbabwe: Craig Ervine (c), B??en 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 Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams.

Also Read: Bulawayo’s Boxing Day Test b??etween Zimbabwe and Afghanistan ends in a run fest dra?w

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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 doubl?e hundred, leading to an un??precedented 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.

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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

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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 superb form, was the top score?r for Zimbabwe with a magnificent 104 runs. His dismissal 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 batting fireworks lead to historic high again??st Afghanistan on Day 2 of the B?oxing 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 Zim??babwe by a massive 491 runs, facing a??n uphill battle to match Zimbabwe’s total.

Also WATCH: Temper raises as Virat Ko??hli nearly clashes with Australian fans on Day 2 of AUS vs IND Tes??t

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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,” clarifying that his focus was on ?this important commitment rather than participating in t??he 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 Te??????????????????????????st 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, Z?ia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan

Zimbabwe: Joylord Gumbie (wk), Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Willia?ms, Craig Ervine (c), Dion Myers, Brandon Mavuta, Brian 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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The stage is set for the first Test of the two-match series between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, scheduled to take place at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo from December 26 to 30. Both teams will be looking to make their mark in the longer format, following contrasting performances in ?the recently concluded white-ball series.

For Zimbabwe, the Test series offers a fresh start after enduring defeats in both the T20I and ODI formats. The hosts will aim to hit the reset button and put up a stronger fight in red-ball cricket. However, their batting lineup remains a point of concern. The top order struggled to find rhythm in the shorter formats, and they’ll face an equally tough challenge in the Tests. Skipper Craig Ervine will need to lead by example, and the rest of the batting unit must step up if Zimb?abwe hopes to post competitive totals.

Meanwhile, Afghanistan enters the Test series riding a wave of confidence. After dominating the T20I and ODI series, they will be eager to complete a clean sweep of the tour with a triumph in the red-ball format. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi has effectively led his side, which has shown r??emarkable consistency across all departments. With momentum on their side, Afghanistan will look to capitalize on their strong form and end the tour on a high note.

Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25, 1st Test:

• Start date and time: December 26; 1:30 pm IST/ 10:00 am local/ 8:00 am GMT
• Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo

Queens Sports Club Pitch Report

ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Prediction Picks

• Wicketkeepers: Afsar Zazai
• Batters: Craig Ervine, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi
• All-rounders: Seam Williams, Sikandar Raza, Azmatullah Omarzai
• Bowlers: Zahir Khan, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Naveed Zadran

ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain

Choice 1: Azmatullah Omarzai (c), Sikandar Raza (vc)
Choice 2: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Craig Ervine (vc)

ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Prediction Backups

Brian Bennett, Fare?ed Ahmad, Sediqullah Atal, Joylord Gumbie

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

ZIM vs AFG, 1st Test: Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 26, 8:00 am GMT)

Squads

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

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

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

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Zimbabwe are set to host Afghanistan in the opening Test of a two-match series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, starting December 26, 2024. This game carrie?s special significance as it marks Zimbabwe’s first home Boxing Day Test in nearly three decades. The hosts are determined to make the occasion memorable by delivering a strong performance, especially after their recent struggles in white-ball formats.

Afghanistan’s dominance in limited-overs formats against Zimbabwe

Afghanistan arrives in Bulawayo with momentum on their side, having excelled in both the T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe. Their commanding victories – 2-1 in the T20Is and a 2-0 sweep in the ODIs – have highlighted their strengths in shorter formats. However, the transition to Test cricket presents a fresh challenge, requiring greater patience and a shift in strategy as they look to maintain their winning streak.

Challenges in red-ball cricket

Both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan face the challenge of stepping into the Test arena after prolonged gaps. Zimbabwe last played a Test match in July 2024, where they endured a loss to Ireland. This series offers them a chance to regroup and reclaim their footing in red-ball cricket. For Afghanistan, their most recent Test fixture – a scheduled match against New Zealand in September 2024 – was canceled without any play, leaving them similarly short of Test match practice.

Also READ: Zimbabwe pick?s 7 uncapped players in their squad for Afghanistan Tests

Bulawayo Weather Forecast

The weather in Bulawayo for the Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan from Thursday to Monday features consistent rain and thunderstorms. Thursday begins with light rain (26°C/18°C, moderate precipitation, hi?gh humidity). Friday brings scattered thunderstorms (26°C/18°C) with elevated rain chances and humidity. Saturday s??ees heavier thunderstorms (27°C/18°C) with strong winds and heavy precipitation. Sunday (24°C/19°C) and Monday (26°C/18°C) are dominated by steady rain, maintaining high humidity and challenging conditions for cricket.

Day-by-Day Weather Breakdown

Thursday

• Condition: Light Rain
• Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
• Rain: Moderate
• Humidity: High

Friday

• Condition: Scattered Thunderstorms
• Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
• Rain: Likely
• Humidity: High

Saturday

• Condition: Heavy Thunderstorms
• Temperature: High 27°C, Low 18°C
• Rain: Heavy
• Humidity: Very High

Sunday

• Condition: Rain
• Temperature: High 24°C, Low 19°C
• Rain: Consistent
• Humidity: High

Monday

• Condition: Rain
• Temperature: High 26°C, Low 18°C
• Rain: Consistent
• Humidity: High

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG 2024, 1s??t Test: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report,?? Bulawayo Test stats and Records

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