Pa the first day of the historic Boxing Day Test in the middle Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe staged an attack, finishing the day with a score of 363 for 4. The match, which was Zimbabwe's first Boxing Day Test in 28 years, featured several first-rounders from both sides, adding to the excitement. of meeting.
An early and exciting return for Ben Curran
Zimbabwe elected to bat first after winning the toss. The day started with early jitters like all openers Joylord Gumbie he was quickly dismissed. However, Ben Curranmaking his Test debut, was very impressive. He contributed with a quick 68 off 74 balls, setting the tone for the innings.
Sean Williams shines with an impressive century
Although, it was Sean Williams who stole the show, hitting a century and remaining unbeaten on 145. His innings was characterized by his footwork and a variety of shots, including drives, cuts, and pulls, which helped him reach his fifth Test century in Bulawayo and managed 90 runs at that distance. provides conversion.
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Craig Ervine's steady support in a key partnership
Supporting Williams, Craig Ervine he knocked an unbeaten 56, which helped an unbroken partnership of 143 for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Dion Myers added 27 and 27 runs respectively, though they were unable to convert their starts into big innings.
Afghanistan's bowling attack Rashid Khan is absent
For Afghanistan, the lack of star players Rashid Khanwho dropped out due to personal reasons, felt that their bowling attack was struggling to make inroads. Allah Ghazanfarmaking his Test debut, he picked up two wickets but did not stop Zimbabwe from posting a high score. Afghanistan's bowlers, especially the spinners, found it difficult to stop the Zimbabwean batsmen on a pitch that seemed to favor the home team.
The day was also marked by weather concerns, with rain forecast throughout the match, which could disrupt the progress of the game. However, on Day 1, play was undisturbed, allowing Zimbabwe to establish a top position.
Also READ: AUS vs IND: Here's why Team India players wear black armbands on Day 2 of 4 Tests against Australia
This is how Twitter did it
Sean Williams' fifth Test ton 🙌#ZIMvFG pic.twitter.com/AB3U4XWzr9
– ICC (@ICC) December 26, 2024
SEAN WILLIAMS! Our Zimbabwe legend has crossed the line for the better part of a century.
The fifth in cricket and a wonder in Zimbabwe.
Very proud! Onward we go! pic.twitter.com/2amMf7nLbc
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) December 26, 2024
I said it before, I'll say it again.
Sean Williams is Zimbabwe's greatest ever cricketer. pic.twitter.com/7QpmZ9Dnwv
– Udi (@Merovaeus) December 26, 2024
Take a bow Sean Williams! You have lifted the spirit of all Zimbabwe 👏🏻👏🏻
Breaking the test against Ghazanfar, Zahir and Omarzai is not easy!
It is sad to see him play only 16 Tests in all these years.
-Krishna Raj (@rajkrishna52) December 26, 2024
The Five Years of Temptation by Sean Williams 🙌#ZIMvFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/sttqmkEA5T
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 26, 2024
Big knock from Sean Williams as he celebrates his Test years in Bulawayo
Through @AdamTheofilatos pic.twitter.com/5cRhb3FU4G
— Zim-Celebs (@zimcelebs1) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams has a BIG 100 for @ZimCricketv and his family. His knock! This is about ❤️🇿🇼🏏 #ZIMvFG pic.twitter.com/ooC5vGWB8n
— Mamzi (@GodwillMamhiyo) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams is back to his best. pic.twitter.com/jkR0ZGwmUj
– Sulay 🏏☘️ (@Sulay177) December 26, 2024
Led by Sean Williams' unbeaten 145, Zimbabwe posted 363 for 4 on the opening day against Afghanistan. #ZIMvFG pic.twitter.com/uoDGZKC4DM
— Olivia Asha (@AshaOliviaUSA) December 26, 2024
What an innings for Sean Williams #ZIMvFG
– Kawal (@bandaofrabb) December 26, 2024