Zimbabwe and Afghanistan we met on the exciting second day of the second test in Bulawayo, where the dynamic changed frequently, leaving Zimbabwe with a paltry 40-run lead at stumps. The day was a mixed bag, with both teams showcasing their skills on challenging pitches that tested the players' mettle.
First match in Zimbabwe on Day 2
Resuming their unbeaten 6th innings after bowling Afghanistan out for 157, Zimbabwe's top order faced immediate challenges.. Joylord Gumbie was the first to fall, control the delivery from Fareed Ahmad to Abdul Malik on the second descent. This creates a basic vibrating sound like Yamin Ahmadzai quickly followed with another wicket, a trap We wish you good health down the side of the leg. The hosts were badly outscored at 16 to 2, and soon after, Ben Curran he was caught by a duck from Fareed, leaving Zimbabwe reeling at 32 for 3.
With increasing pressure, Dion Myers he was promoted to number 5 but could not withstand the attack. He tried to fight back but was bowled out, which pushed Zimbabwe into trouble at 41 for 4. Meanwhile, Afghanistan seemed to be on the verge of dominating the game.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Bulawayo Weather Forecast For All 5 Days | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024-25
Courage displayed by Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza
When it looked like Zimbabwe might collapse, Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza he stepped up to set up the innings. The pair added 71 runs for the fifth wicket, Ervine showing composure and Raza giving a fighting performance. Raza, playing his first Test since 2021, reached his fifty with a superb run through the covers, while Ervine brought up another fifty just before tea.
Even with back pain, Sean Williams he joined the tournament and contributed a lot with a quick run of 49. His determination was evident as he hit the bowlers with confidence, despite struggling with discomfort. Together, they took Zimbabwe to 243 all out, establishing an early lead of 86 runs.
Afghanistan's shock starts in the second innings
With a small target set by Zimbabwe, Afghanistan's second innings began under pressure. Blessing Muzarabani He struck early by getting Malik out for just one run. The Afghan batting continued to falter as Muzarabani scored another goal, leaving Afghanistan at a precarious 18 for 2.
Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah they wanted to rebuild their innings but faced constant challenges from the Zimbabwean players. Raza was instrumental in removing Shahidi just before he fell, leaving Afghanistan reeling at 46 for 3.
The day ended with Afghanistan trailing by 40 runs with seven wickets still in hand. The pitches remained hard to beat, and both teams had chances to improve. Zimbabwe's batsmen were disciplined and efficient, while Afghanistan need to rebuild their unity to make the tournament.
Challenges, Day 2
Zimbabwe got three wickets!
Afghanistan finished on 46/3, trailing by 40 runs#ZIMvFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝https://t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/Q1BW9u2Irt
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 3, 2025