Sikandar Raza he had a remarkable return to the Zimbabwe Test team with a remarkable performance with the ball on the first day of the second and final Test against Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club.
Sikandar Raza masterclass featured a lot of Afghan fighters
Sikandar excelled when he shone during the first Afghanistan campaign. The 38-year-old man managed to pull off the look Rahmat Shah who was dismissed while trying to bowl in the last over of the 30th over. In short, Shah played a brilliant 234 runs in the previous Test against Zimbabwe.
Then Sikandar came out Ismat Alam Right on middle stump, it's a low blow to the Afghan batter. Alam returned to the pavilion on a duck opposite the 2nd delivery. Sikandar's next target was the tailender Yamin Ahmadzai as the handball from the off-spinner was too much for the Afghan No.10. Sikandar's three wickets helped the Zimbabwean bowlers bowl out the Afghans for 157 runs in just 44.3 overs on the first day of the match.
Also [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman cleans Brandon Mawuta and jaffa completely on Day 2 of the first Test
Here is the video:
The Comeback man is on a mission! 💪
Playing his first Test in 4 years, Sikandar Raza took three wickets as Zimbabwe bowled out Afghanistan for just 157 in the first innings! 👏#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/blNGQH25tm
-FanCode (@FanCode) January 2, 2025
Bowlers lead while Zimbabwe trail Afghanistan
The second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo is a bowling game so far. Afghanistan, batting first, could only chase down 157, and Rashid Khanfast 25 standing outside. Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by Sikandar and Newman Nyamhurithey took three wickets each, taking advantage of the favorable conditions. In reply, Zimbabwe collapsed early, slumping to 41/4 at the first innings of Day 2, trailing by 116 runs. Fareed Ahmad and Ahmadzai impressed in their first Test, taking two wickets each. Day 1 was marred by wet conditions, leading to a cautious start. With both teams struggling to score runs, this low-scoring encounter promises to be an exciting contest as the game progresses. The onus now lies on Zimbabwe's middle order to stabilize the innings and avoid an early lead.