Journalism of Courage
HIGHLIGHTS Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, Afghanistan in Zimbabwe Only Test 2025, One-off Test- Result, Scorecard
Match Ended
Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs
Zimbabwe won the Only Test series 1-0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Ibrahim Zadranc Tafadzwa Tsiga b Richard Ngarava
42
59
5
0
Abdul Malikc Blessing Muzarabani b Richard Ngarava
2
11
0
0
Rahmanullah Gurbazc Tafadzwa Tsiga b Tanaka Chivanga
9
29
0
0
Hashmatullah Shahidic Craig Ervine b Richard Ngarava
7
19
1
0
Bahir Shahc Ben Curran b Blessing Muzarabani
32
33
6
0
Afsar Zazaic Brad Evans b Tanaka Chivanga
18
36
2
0
Ismat Alamc Tafadzwa Tsiga b Richard Ngarava
16
26
2
0
Sharafuddin Ashrafc Craig Ervine b Richard Ngarava
9
17
2
0
Yamin Ahmadzainot out
13
19
1
1
Khalil Gurbazb Blessing Muzarabani
6
7
1
0
Ziaur Rahmanb Blessing Muzarabani
0
3
0
0
Total
43.0 Over (RR: 3.70)
159/10
Fall of Wickets
1-10 (Abdul Malik, 4 ov), 2-43 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 14.3 ov), 3-59 (Ibrahim Zadran, 18 ov), 4-60 (Hashmatullah Shahidi, 19.5 ov), 5-109 (Bahir Shah, 29.4 ov), 6-127 (Afsar Zazai, 34.1 ov), 7-135 (Ismat Alam, 37.3 ov), 8-142 (Sharafuddin Ashraf, 39.5 ov), 9-159 (Khalil Gurbaz, 42.3 ov), 10-159 (Ziaur Rahman, 43 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Blessing Muzarabani
12
1
48
3
Richard Ngarava
13
2
37
5
Brad Evans
6
0
28
0
Sikandar Raza
1
0
3
0
Tanaka Chivanga
11
1
40
2
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Brian Bennettb Ziaur Rahman
6
9
1
0
Ben Curranlbw b Ismat Alam
121
256
15
0
Nick Welchb Ziaur Rahman
49
89
5
1
Brendan Taylorb Ziaur Rahman
32
43
6
0
Craig Ervinelbw b Ismat Alam
5
8
1
0
Sikandar Razac Yamin Ahmadzai b Sharafuddin Ashraf
65
88
7
0
Tafadzwa Tsigalbw b Ziaur Rahman
17
52
2
0
Brad Evansnot out
35
48
4
1
Richard Ngaravab Ziaur Rahman
0
1
0
0
Blessing Muzarabanib Ziaur Rahman
5
10
1
0
Tanaka Chivangalbw b Ziaur Rahman
5
16
1
0
Total
103.0 Over (RR: 3.49)
359/10
Fall of Wickets
1-9 (Brian Bennett, 3.3 ov), 2-106 (Nick Welch, 33.1 ov), 3-154 (Brendan Taylor, 45.2 ov), 4-165 (Craig Ervine, 48.5 ov), 5-264 (Sikandar Raza, 75.3 ov), 6-302 (Ben Curran, 89.4 ov), 7-316 (Tafadzwa Tsiga, 92.4 ov), 8-316 (Richard Ngarava, 92.5 ov), 9-335 (Blessing Muzarabani, 96.3 ov), 10-359 (Tanaka Chivanga, 103 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Yamin Ahmadzai
24
7
62
0
Ziaur Rahman
32
4
97
7
Sharafuddin Ashraf
17
4
65
1
Ismat Alam
15
2
51
2
Khalil Gurbaz
9
0
54
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi
6
0
14
0
Batting
R
B
4s
6s
Ibrahim Zadranc Nick Welch b Blessing Muzarabani
19
23
4
0
Abdul Malikrun out (Nick Welch / Tafadzwa Tsiga)
30
40
2
0
Rahmanullah Gurbazc Sikandar Raza b Tanaka Chivanga
37
37
3
0
Hashmatullah Shahidic Nick Welch b Brad Evans
7
14
1
0
Bahir Shahc Brian Bennett b Blessing Muzarabani
12
30
1
0
Afsar Zazaic Tafadzwa Tsiga b Brad Evans
1
3
0
0
Ismat Alamc Tafadzwa Tsiga b Blessing Muzarabani
8
16
1
0
Sharafuddin Ashrafc Tanaka Chivanga b Brad Evans
0
3
0
0
Yamin Ahmadzainot out
10
15
2
0
Khalil Gurbazc Tafadzwa Tsiga b Brad Evans
2
13
0
0
Ziaur Rahmanb Brad Evans
0
1
0
0
Total
32.3 Over (RR: 3.91)
127/10
Fall of Wickets
1-23 (Ibrahim Zadran, 5.4 ov), 2-77 (Rahmanullah Gurbaz, 15.3 ov), 3-88 (Abdul Malik, 17.1 ov), 4-100 (Hashmatullah Shahidi, 22.1 ov), 5-102 (Afsar Zazai, 22.5 ov), 6-114 (Bahir Shah, 26 ov), 7-115 (Ismat Alam, 27.3 ov), 8-115 (Sharafuddin Ashraf, 28.1 ov), 9-127 (Khalil Gurbaz, 32.2 ov), 10-127 (Ziaur Rahman, 32.3 ov)
Bowling
O
M
R
W
Richard Ngarava
6
1
28
0
Blessing Muzarabani
11
1
47
3
Tanaka Chivanga
6
0
29
1
Brad Evans
9.3
2
22
5
Commentary
Welcome back for Zimbabwe's reply. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Afghanistan players are need in a huddle, near the fence. Brian Bennett and Ben Curran open up for Zimbabwe. Yamin Ahmadzai has the new ball in hand. Let's go...
...SECOND INNINGS...
The success of the Zimbabwean bowling attack was primarily due to their pace bowlers. Brad Evans was exceptional, claiming a five-wicket haul, while Blessing Muzarabani provided excellent support by picking up three wickets. Tanaka Chivanga secured the important breakthrough, ending the vital second-wicket stand. Zimbabwe's batters will now aim to build a substantial lead to take a commanding position in the match. Stay tuned for the second innings.
A disastrous first innings for Afghanistan as they are bowled out for 127 runs. After losing Ibrahim Zadran early, a crucial 54-run partnership for the second wicket between Abdul Malik and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (who scored 37) provided a brief period of stability. However, following Gurbaz's dismissal, the Afghan batting order collapsed, with no other player making a significant contribution as wickets fell at regular intervals.
32.3
over
32.3 | 0 Runs | HH: 127/10
32.3
W
Brad Evans to Ziaur Rahman, OUT! BOWLED! What a performance from Zimbabwe! Brad Evans bowls a yorker-length delivery, shaping on the boots. Rahman, without any foot movement, tries to defend but misses. It kisses the boot and ricochets onto the off pole. Afghanistan are bowled out for 127.
Ziaur Rahman is the last man in.
32.2
W
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, OUT! GONE! Khalil Gurbaz's stay is over. Brad Evans drops it short and bowls over middle and leg. Khalil Gurbaz is cramped for room, he tries to fend it away but gets a faint outside edge to the keeper who makes no mistake.
32.1
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Short of a length and wide of off. Khalil Gurbaz slashes his blade and misses.
32
over
32 | 8 Runs | HH: 127/8
31.6
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, FOUR! Chance again! Touch fuller, outside off. Ahmadzai leans and punches, it goes off the outside edge to the left of point for a boundary.
31.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Bowls it very full and slanting down leg. Ahmadzai looks to clip but misses. A huge appeal for caught behind but turned down.
31.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, FOUR! Yamin Ahmadzai is tempted this time! Blessing Muzarabani bowls close to the off pole. Yamin Ahmadzai tries to punch with hard hands but gets a thick outside edge over the slip cordon for a boundary.
31.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Well outside off, shorter. Yamin Ahmadzai lets it go.
31.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, On a good length and outside off. Yamin Ahmadzai shoulders arms to it.
31.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Pushes it full and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to drive but misses it.
31
over
31 | 0 Runs | HH: 119/8
30.6
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Length ball on middle, Khalil Gurbaz blocks it out.
30.5
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Short in length and on middle, Khalil Gurbaz tries to defend but inside edges it well wide of the man at short leg.
30.4
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Keeps it short and comes closer to the off pole. Khalil Gurbaz looks to push but misses it.
30.3
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Drops it short and outside off, Khalil Gurbaz chips it uppishly and just short of the man at point.
30.2
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, CLOSE! Slightly short and on middle, holds its line. Khalil Gurbaz makes room to punch but misses and it rolls over the stumps.
30.1
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, On a good length and around off, defended out.
30
over
30 | 2 Runs | HH: 119/8
29.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Short in length and around off, Ahmadzai taps it on the off side.
29.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, A length ball on middle and leg, Ahmadzai turns it to the leg side.
29.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Ahmadzai makes room and Blessing Muzarabani follows him with a fuller delivery, Ahmadzai swings across the line and misses.
29.3
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Pushes it full and outside off, Ahmadzai strokes it through point, in the gap for a couple.
29.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Short of a good length and well high on the pads. Ahmadzai looks to flick but misses and it rolls to fine leg off the pads. The batters deny an easy leg bye available.
29.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Good length delivery around off, Yamin Ahmadzai gets inside the line and blocks.
29
over
29 | 2 Runs | HH: 117/8
28.6
2
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, This is full and on middle, Khalil Gurbaz hits it to the left of cover for a couple of runs.
28.5
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Evans bowls into the surface, shorter and on middle, Khalil Gurbaz looks to push but misses.
28.4
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Short in length and outside off, Khalil Gurbaz throws his bat and punches on the up to point.
28.3
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, Goes very full and around off, Khalil Gurbaz jams it out to cover.
28.2
0
Brad Evans to Khalil Gurbaz, A good length delivery, around off. Khalil Gurbaz looks to defend but misses and it shaves past the off pole.
Khalil Gurbaz comes to the middle.
28.1
W
Brad Evans to Sharafuddin Ashraf, OUT! TAKEN! Sharafuddin Ashraf goes now! Poor shot selection from Ashraf! Tries to go downtown, lofts this length delivery but slices it high in the air and to cover where Tanaka Chivanga runs to his left, dives and takes it. Brad Evans gets his third wicket.
28
over
28 | 0 Runs | HH: 115/7
27.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Goes full and attacks the stumps, blocked out.
27.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, Bowls the hard length, around the fourth stump. Yamin Ahmadzai is beaten for pace and bounce as he looks to defend.
27.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Yamin Ahmadzai, LOVELY! Back of a length and outside off, wobble seam and it shapes away. Yamin Ahmadzai looks to defend on the up but misses.
Yamin Ahmadzai walks to the middle.
27.3
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, OUT! TAKEN! Another one bites the dust! A nothing delivery from Blessing Muzarabani, errs in line and throws it down leg, Ismat Alam looks to clip but edges it to the keeper who makes no mistake.
27.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Short in length and around off, Ismat Alam hangs back and blocks it to cover.
27.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Bowls in the channel, just around off. Ismat Alam has a poke at it but misses.
27
over
27 | 1 Runs | HH: 115/6
26.6
0
Brad Evans to Sharafuddin Ashraf, On a good length and around off. Ashraf bends forward and across to defend.
26.5
0
Brad Evans to Sharafuddin Ashraf, A bumper on middle, Ashraf ducks under it.
26.4
1
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, Touch fuller and on middle, Ismat Alam nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.
26.3
0
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, Drifts in a length delivery, around off, it shapes away. Ismat Alam is drawn to defend but is well beaten.
26.2
0
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, Shorter and on middle and leg. Ismat Alam hops and keeps it out on the leg side.
26.1
0
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, Short in length and on middle, Ismat Alam blocks.
Sharafuddin Ashraf walks in next.
26
over
26 | 5 Runs | HH: 114/6
25.6
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, OUT! TAKEN! OH, WOW! Short in length and outside off, Bahir Shah has a tentative poke at it and edges it to the left of Brian Bennett at gully. Bennett flies across and holds onto it. Brilliant catch. Afghanistan fall further.
25.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Drops it short and outside off, Shah looks to ramp it over but misses.
25.4
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Leg bye! Oh! Blessing Muzarabani bangs it short and on middle, Alam rightly ducks under it but the ball stays very low and hits him on the helmet. A leg bye is taken and we will have a mandatory concussion protocol. Ismat Alam seems fine.
25.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Short in length and on leg, tucked to mid-wicket.
25.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, FOUR! Good shot! Shorter and outside off, Ismat Alam stands tall and punches it through point and it races to the fence.
25.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Touch fuller and nipping back in on middle, Alam defends off the inner half onto the pads.
Blessing Muzarabani to bowl from the other end.
25
over
25 | 3 Runs | HH: 109/5
24.6
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Short of a length and around off. Shah hops and blocks it out.
24.5
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Length ball, outside off, Shah punches it to cover.
24.4
1
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, A yorker-length delivery on leg, Alam digs it out to mid on for a single.
24.3
0
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, Bowls a bumper on leg, Alam sits under it.
24.2
0
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, A good length delivery on top of leg, Alam looks to clip but misses and gets hit high on the pads.
24.1
2
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, Very full and angling on the pads. Alam flicks it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
Back for the second session. Ismat Alam and Bahir Shah to resume their innings. Brad Evans to bowl after the break.
...DAY 1, SESSION 2...
However, the drinks break energized the hosts as the floodgates opened up with Afghanistan losing both the set batters inside a couple of overs. But the big moment in the session came when Zimbabwe got Afghanistan's skipper, Hashmatullah Shahidi cheaply. Zimbabwe have done a brilliant job after opting to bowl first. They have turned things around pretty quickly and have a chance to do more damage as Afghanistan have an inexperienced lower-middle order. Can the hosts clean up the visitors in the next session? Stay tuned to find out.
Zimbabwe have done a commendable job as they have pulled things back brilliantly in the final few minutes of the game, ending the session on a high. Afghanistan were happy to bat on a surface which was assisting the bowlers a bit. However, Afghanistan started well with Ibrahim Zadran setting the tone for his team with a couple of wonderful strokes. But his end was cut short by Blessing Muzarabani. Rahmanullah Gurbaz walked in and counterattacked, putting Zimbabwe under pressure as Afghanistan dominated until the first hour.
24
over
24 | 4 Runs | HH: 106/5
23.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Much fuller, on off, Bahir Shah taps it to the point fielder. That will be LUNCH on Day 1.
23.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Hard length, outside off, Bahir Shah has a waft at it but misses.
23.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Slower one, outside off, Bahir Shah taps it to the cover fielder.
23.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Length, outside off, Bahir Shah leaves it alone.
23.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, FOUR! Well played! Back of a length, outside off, Bahir Shah stays back and steers it elegantly through backward point for a boundary.
23.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Short, just outside off, Bahir Shah looks to slap it but misses. A stifled appeal but turned down.
23
over
23 | 2 Runs | HH: 102/5
22.6
0
Brad Evans to Ismat Alam, A magnificent over from Brad Evans! Length, outside off, Ismat Alam leaves it alone.
Ismat Alam is the new batter.
22.5
W
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Brad Evans gets two in the over! On a length, just outside off, shaping away a shade. Afsar Zazai hangs back and looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge. Tafadzwa Tsiga behind the sticks dives to his right and takes a good low catch.
22.4
0
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, Short, on off, Afsar Zazai ducks underneath it.
22.3
1
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Much fuller, on leg, Bahir Shah flicks it to mid-wicket for a single. The fielder has a shy at the batters end but misses. A direct hit would have been close.
22.2
1
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, Short, on leg, Afsar Zazai fends it to backward square leg for a single.
Afsar Zazai walks in.
22.1
W
Brad Evans to Hashmatullah Shahidi, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Excellent from Brad Evans. He bowls it on a length, outside off, shaping away. Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to drive it but gets a thick outside edge. The ball carries towards the gully region where Nick Welch takes a magnificent low catch diving to his left.
22
over
22 | 1 Runs | HH: 100/3
21.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, Too full, on middle, Bahir Shah blocks it back to the bowler.
21.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, Back of a length, on off, Bahir Shah taps it to point.
21.4
1
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Short, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi hops a bit and fends it to mid-wicket for one. 100 comes up for Afghanistan!
21.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Hard length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to cover.
21.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi fends it back to the bowler.
21.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Much fuller, down leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi looks to flick it but misses.
21
over
21 | 0 Runs | HH: 99/3
20.6
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Maiden. Slightly shorter, on off, Bahir Shah fends it to cover.
20.5
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Back of a length, on leg, Bahir Shah flicks it to mid on.
20.4
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Short, on leg, Bahir Shah ducks under it.
20.3
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, On a length, on off, Bahir Shah taps it to the cover fielder.
20.2
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Too full, on leg, Bahir Shah taps it to mid on.
20.1
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Back of a length, on off, Bahir Shah fends it to cover.
20
over
20 | 5 Runs | HH: 99/3
19.6
3
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, Fuller one, on leg, Bahir Shah flicks it through mid-wicket for three runs.
19.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, Length again, on leg, Bahir Shah looks to flick it but miscues it to the point fielder.
19.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, Hard length, on middle, Bahir Shah blocks it to mid off.
19.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, On a length, on off, Bahir Shah taps it to the cover fielder.
19.2
2
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, Much fuller, outside off, Bashir Ahmad drives it through covers for a brace.
19.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, On a length, on off, Bahir Shah blocks it to cover.
19
over
19 | 4 Runs | HH: 94/3
18.6
0
Brad Evans to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good comeback from Brad Evans. Back of a length, just outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to block it but misses.
18.5
4
Brad Evans to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, way outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi gets down on one knee and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary.
18.4
0
Brad Evans to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi shoulders arms at it.
18.3
0
Brad Evans to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Keeps it full, on middle, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it back to the bowler.
18.2
0
Brad Evans to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Much fuller, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi tries to drive it but misses.
18.1
0
Brad Evans to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.
18
over
18 | 2 Runs | HH: 90/3
17.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, Much fuller, on off, Bahir Shah taps it to mid off.
17.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, On a length, on off, Bahir Shah blocks it to cover.
17.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, Short and wide, Bahir Shah tries to slap it but misses.
17.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, Back of a length, outside off, shaping away. Bahir Shah has a waft at it but misses.
17.2
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, Much fuller, on off, Bahir Shah drives it through covers for a brace.
Bahir Shah walks in.
17.1
W
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, OUT! RUN OUT! Oh dear. A huge mixup and Abdul Malik departs. On a length, on off, Abdul Malik pushes it to mid off. He runs for a single but Hashmatullah Shahidi sends him back from halfway. Nick Welch throws it towards Tafadzwa Tsiga who makes an easy run out.
17
over
17 | 9 Runs | HH: 88/2
16.6
3
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Much fuller, outside off, Abdul Malik slashes it through covers. The fielder has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.
16.5
0
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Short ball, on leg, Abdul Malik ducks under it.
16.4
0
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Much fuller, on off, Abdul Malik blocks it to mid on.
16.3
4
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length, on middle, Abdul Malik swivels and pulls it magnificently through square leg for a boundary.
16.2
2
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Length again, on leg, Abdul Malik tickles it fine for a brace.
16.1
0
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, On a length, on middle, Abdul Malik looks to block it but edges it to the slip fielder. Luckily it didn't carry.
16
over
16 | 7 Runs | HH: 79/2
15.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Keeps it full, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes it to cover.
15.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Too full, targeting the stumps, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays back and blocks it solidly.
15.4
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Around the wicket. Back of a length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it through covers for a brace.
Hashmatullah Shahidi walks in.
15.3
W
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! TAKEN! Tanaka Chivanga breaks the gritty stand! Much fuller, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to drive it but the ball hits the upper part of his bat. The ball lobs in the air towards covers where Sikandar Raza takes a good catch over his head.
15.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, On a length, on off, Abdul Malik punches it to cover for one.
15.1
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, FOUR! That's a lovely shot! Back of a length, on middle and leg, Abdul Malik swivels and pulls it powerfully through square leg for a boundary.
15
over
15 | 1 Runs | HH: 72/1
14.6
0
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull it but the ball hits his glove and lands towards square leg. Dot.
14.5
1
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Back of a length, on middle, Abdul Malik fends it to square leg for a single.
14.4
0
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Hard length, on leg, Abdul Malik tucks it to the square leg fielder.
14.3
0
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Goes fuller this time, on leg, Abdul Malik flicks it to mid-wicket.
14.2
0
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, On a length, on off, Abdul Malik punches it to cover.
14.1
0
Brad Evans to Abdul Malik, Brad Evans comes into the attack and bowls it on off, Abdul Malik pushes it to the mid off fielder.
14
over
14 | 3 Runs | HH: 71/1
13.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, That's a beauty! On a length, outside off, shaping away. Rahmanullah Gurbaz has a waft at it but gets beaten all ends up.
13.5
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it through mid-wicket for a brace.
13.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On a length, sliding down leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.
13.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slower one, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves the harmless delivery.
13.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops a bit and fends it back to the bowler.
13.1
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, Good length, on middle and leg, Abdul Malik pushes it to cover for a single.
DRINKS! A good start by the visitors so far. Hashmatullah Shahidi said at the toss they wanted to bat first and have done well so far. Ibrahim Zadran played really well initially but edged one in the slip cordon. However, since then, Rahmanullah Gurbaz has shown a lot of intent to keep the scoreboard ticking. Zimbabwe have extracted a bit of bounce but nothing as of yet to trouble the batters. Can they end the session well?
13
over
13 | 10 Runs | HH: 68/1
12.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Solid running from these two. Fuller delivery on off, dropped to mid off for a single.
12.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short in length and on off, pulled to deep square leg for a single.
12.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Four running runs! Bowls it wide of off, on a length. Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it uppishly and past point. The ball slows down near the fence and the fielder flicks back in time to stop it from touching the fence.
12.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Corrects the line and bowls it on middle. Rahmanullah Gurbaz defends it out.
12.2
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, More runs! Shorter and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steers it past gully for a couple more.
12.1
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Just uses the pace! Blessing Muzarabani sticks to the length delivery, this is outside off and it nips back in. Rahmanullah Gurbaz dabs it to the man at gully who gets on his knee to stop but lets it through for a couple.
12
over
12 | 3 Runs | HH: 58/1
11.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, Length ball, around off, Abdul Malik hangs back and blocks it on the deck.
11.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A single as Rahmanullah Gurbaz helps it behind square on the leg side.
11.4
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, Close call but Rahmanullah Gurbaz was in! Angling on the pads, Abdul Malik clips it to square leg for a single. Rahmanullah Gurbaz run hard and makes it despite a direct hit at his end.
11.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, Fractionally short and outside off. Abdul Malik punches it well but finds point.
11.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
11.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tad fuller and on middle and leg. Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet to defend it out.
11
over
11 | 7 Runs | HH: 55/1
10.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hard length delivery, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz taps it wide of the man at cover for one.
10.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pushes it full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans across and blocks.
10.4
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and on middle, eased to the left of mid on. The fielder half-stops as he dives across and they take another run.
10.3
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! He loves to play this shot! Blessing Muzarabani again bowls a bumper, much closer to the batter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz bends and ramps it to third man for a boundary. 50 up for Afghanistan.
10.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, A length ball on middle, defended out.
10.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Blessing Muzarabani uses his height and bounces into the surface, outside off and it is left alone.
10
over
10 | 6 Runs | HH: 48/1
9.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, On a nagging length and on middle, Abdul Malik solidly blocks on the surface.
9.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, A huge appeal for LBW but probably going down. Serves it on a good length, shaping on the pads, Abdul Malik fails to flick and wears it on the pads.
9.4
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, Good length delivery with width outside off, Abdul Malik strokes it past point for a couple more.
9.3
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bowls with an inward angle on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans and bunts it to square leg for one.
9.2
3
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, THREE RUNS! Not that short but Abdul Malik picks the length quickly, he rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for three runs.
9.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, Tight from Tanaka Chivanga as he bowls it on a good length and on middle, Abdul Malik defends with a straight bat.
9
over
9 | 2 Runs | HH: 42/1
8.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short in length and outside off, bounces and skids as well. Rahmanullah Gurbaz rocks back and across to defend but misses.
8.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slightly short and just outside off, nips in. Rahmanullah Gurbaz hops and defends.
8.4
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Tad fuller and slanting on off, nudged to square leg for a single.
8.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FALLS SAFELY! Blessing Muzarabani bowls a bouncer around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to pull but gets a thick top edge to mid-wicket where it falls in no man's land.
8.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Gets it to nip back in, shorter and around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz fails to flick and wears it high on the pads.
8.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Slants it on a length and around the fourth stump line. Rahmanullah Gurbaz hangs back and defends it to point.
8
over
8 | 8 Runs | HH: 40/1
7.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, A length delivery on middle, Abdul Malik watchfully blocks on the leg side.
7.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, On to the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz flicks it to square leg for a single.
7.4
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Oh, that one shoots up! Into the surface with a bit of angle, it lands and bounces around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz looks to defend but it hits the shoulder of the blade and bounces over the slip cordon for four.
7.3
2
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angling on the pads, shorter length. Rahmanullah Gurbaz pulls it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
7.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a good length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to the left of point.
7.1
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Abdul Malik, Tanaka Chivanga begins with a length ball, outside off, Abdul Malik drops it to cover and runs across. The fielder runs in, underarms at the keeper's end but misses.
7
over
7 | 8 Runs | HH: 32/1
6.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Well outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leaves.
6.5
4
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, FOUR! Should have been stopped! Overpitched up top, around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz punches it to mid off where the fielder dives to his right but fails to stop. It rolls away for four.
6.4
2
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Serves it too full and outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans into his shot and hits it through cover for a couple.
6.3
1
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Richard Ngarava shapes away a length ball, outside off. Abdul Malik drops it to point for a run.
6.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Drifts in a length ball on middle and leg. Abdul Malik keeps it out on the leg side.
6.1
1
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz nudges it to square leg for one.
6
over
6 | 6 Runs | HH: 24/1
5.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Angling on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it behind square on the leg side for one.
5.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Touch fuller and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks on the leg side.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes in next.
5.4
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! A tentative poke and Zadran has to go. Played with two-minds here. Before this delivery, any width given and he was punishing but he tries to just push with soft hands, gets a thick outside edge to the length delivery and it flies to Nick Welch at third slip. A sharp catch and Zadran has to go. He was playing so well.
5.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length and around off, Zadran hops and blocks.
5.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Solid shot once again from Zadran! Bowls it straight and outside off. Zadran leans a bit and punches it through point for a boundary.
5.1
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Fuller delivery, outside off, Abdul Malik drops it to point for a single.
5
over
5 | 0 Runs | HH: 18/0
4.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Ends the over well! Richard Ngarava bowls an inswinger, lands it on middle, Zadran is struck on the back foot, trying to defend but misses. A stifled appeal but that was going down.
4.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Pitches it up, outside off, driven to cover.
4.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Much better! Short of a good length and on top of off. Zadran stays back and blocks.
4.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Richard Ngarava struggles as he bowls it well down leg. Zadran leaves it alone.
4.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Length delivery on middle, Zadran prods and defends it out.
4.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Length ball, down leg. Zadran looks to clip but misses.
4
over
4 | 2 Runs | HH: 18/0
3.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Drifts it a bit onto the hips. Zadran bunts it to square leg for a single.
3.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, BEATEN! Blessing Muzarabani bowls in the channel of uncertainity, shorter and zipping past Zadran's defensive edge.
3.4
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Good sharp run! Short in length and around off, bounces off the track. Abdul Malik plays well with soft hands to cover for a run.
3.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Targets the stumps with a length delivery. Abdul Malik hangs back and blocks.
3.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Bowls with an angle, shaping on middle, Abdul Malik turns it to square leg.
3.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Hard length delivery around off, Abdul Malik solidly blocks it out.
3
over
3 | 12 Runs | HH: 16/0
2.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Bowls it across the batter, outside off, it is left alone.
2.5
4
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Superb batting so far from Zadran! Richard Ngarava attacks the stumps with a length ball. Zadran plants his front foot forward and punches it past mid on for a boundary.
2.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Brings it close to the off pole with a fuller delivery. Zadran is late as he tries to withdraw his bat, it takes the cue end and rolls to the slip cordon.
2.3
4
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Punished! Richard Ngarava gives width again, well outside off. Zadran punches a bit square and past the man at point for a boundary.
2.2
4
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Angles across too wide, outside off. Zadran nicely punches it through covers and it rolls to the fence. First boundary off the game.
2.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Beauty from Richard Ngarava! Keeps it straight and bowls on middle, it lands and shapes back in. Zadran is squared up as he looks to defend and gets beaten on the inside edge.
2
over
2 | 2 Runs | HH: 4/0
1.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Short and down leg, Abdul Malik shoulders arms to it.
1.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Pushes it touch fuller and around off, Zadran knocks it to cover for a single.
1.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and around off, Zadran stays inside the line and defends.
1.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Effort delivery! Bowls into the surface, on middle, Zadran nudges it to square leg.
1.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length and just outside off. Zadran punches it to the right of point.
1.1
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Sneaks in a run! On a length and around off, gets some extra bounce off it. Abdul Malik punches it to point for a run.
Blessing Muzarabani to share the attack.
1
over
1 | 2 Runs | HH: 2/0
0.6
1
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Sharp single and Abdul Malik is off the mark as well. Good length delivery on off, Abdul Malik taps it to the left of cover and runs across. The fielder underarms at the keeper's end but the replay shows Zadran was well in.
0.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Tight from Richard Ngarava once again! Length ball, around off, Abdul Malik defends on his toes.
0.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Richard Ngarava keeps it tight around off, on a length. Abdul Malik plays with soft hands to backward point.
0.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Touch fuller and around off, bit of shape. Abdul Malik solidly blocks it out.
0.2
1
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Afghanistan are underway! Good length delivery, on top of off. Ibrahim Zadran drops it in front of cover for a single.
0.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length and a bit of inward shape on off. Ibrahim Zadran blocks it on the deck.
Time for action. The players are out in the middle. Ibrahim Zadran and Abdul Malik to open for Afghanistan. Richard Ngarava to bowl first. Three slips and a gully in place. Let's play...
The pitch report suggests there is a lot of green covering which will help the seamers. Time for the national anthems. It’s the national anthem of Afghanistan, followed by that of Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Bahir Shah, Afsar Zazai (WK), Ismat Alam, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Khalil Gurbaz, Yamin Ahmadzai, Ziaur Rahman.
Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Brian Bennett, Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Brendan Taylor, Craig Ervine (C), Sikandar Raza, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, Tanaka Chivanga.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper of Afghanistan says they wanted to bat first as he feels there are some cracks which they think will start opening up as the Test match progresses. Reckons the debutant, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Khalil Gurbaz and Ziaur Rahman are talented guys. Admits they performed really well in domestic cricket and deserve to be here. Feels they need to be brave, take responsibilities and do the best for the team and enjoy the match.
Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe says they want to bowl first as the pitch has a fair bit of green grass and also a bit of moisture. Tell they have a seam-heavy bowling option in the conditions which provide more bounce and pace than Bulawayo. Reckons that they had a tough year in terms of Test cricket but hopes they can get going here.
TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and will BOWL first!
So, get ready for five days of exciting Test cricket! Will Afghanistan's strong batting and new-look bowling attack overcome the hosts? Or will Zimbabwe's mix of experience and exciting young talent finally secure a memorable win? The stage is set at the Harare Sports Club for what should be a closely contested and thrilling match. Toss and team news to follow shortly...
Zimbabwe enters this contest missing one of their most experienced players, Sean Williams, and facing pressure to perform after a long winless streak in Test series dating back to 2011. The hosts will look to the seasoned heads of Brendan Taylor and captain Craig Ervine to guide the younger players. All-rounder Sikandar Raza is a key figure, and the team will rely heavily on promising youth like top-order batter Brian Bennett and the prolific Antum Naqvi, who could be in line for a debut. Zimbabwe needs their youngsters to rise to the occasion to secure a home victory.
For Afghanistan, this Test presents an opportunity for their emerging talent to step up. With senior stars like Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman unavailable, the spotlight shifts to lesser-known bowlers Bashir Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman. Their batting lineup looks strong and reliable, featuring the likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. Keep an eye out for potential debutant, the handy all-rounder Sharafuddin Ashraf, but the visitors will surely miss the experience and runs of their injured stalwart, Rahmat Shah.
A fascinating one-off Test match is set to begin as Afghanistan takes on Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club! This game comes amidst a busy cricketing calendar and promises an engaging battle between two competitive sides. It's a chance for Afghanistan to build on their historic Test win against the same opponent earlier this year, while Zimbabwe will be eager to snap a long drought and register a much-needed Test series victory.
...DAY 1, SESSION 1...
Back for Afghanistan's reply. The players are out in the middle. Abdul Malik and Ibrahim Zadran to open for Afghanistan. Blessing Muzarabani to bowl first.
...THIRD INNINGS...
On the other hand, Ziaur Rahman was the star of Afghanistan's innings, taking 7 wickets on his Test debut, including 5 wickets, breaking Zimbabwe on Day 2. However, with such a healthy lead, it's the hosts in front at this point and Afghanistan have to be clinical with the bat to atleast end the day on a high. Stay tuned.
Zimbabwe's impressive performance was led by opener Ben Curran, who anchored their innings. Curran's steadfast batting was the highlight, and crucial partnerships with Nick Welch initially and later Sikandar Raza helped Zimbabwe take a significant lead, keeping them ahead in the game.
On his maiden outing, Ziaur Rahman leads his team with a 7-fer to his name. What a moment for the rookie player. An exceptional performance from Rahman. So, Zimbabwe are bowled out for 359 but end with a healthy lead of 232 runs.
103
over
103 | 4 Runs | HH: 359/10
102.6
W
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, OUT! LBW! The finger is raised! Ziaur Rahman keeps it full and shapes it on middle, comes with an angle and Chivanga is struck on the pads as he tries to defend it. An appeal for LBW and up goes the finger.
102.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, A sharp inswinger from Ziaur Rahman on a length. Chivanga solidly defends it back.
102.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, Pushes it full and around off, Chivanga defends with soft hands to the slip cordon.
102.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, A good length delivery, outside off. Chivanga has a poke at it but misses.
102.2
4
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, FOUR! Pulled away! Drops it short and on middle, Chivanga stands tall and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary. Crucial runs.
102.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, That looked close! Touch fuller and shaping on middle and leg. Tanaka Chivanga is struck on the pads as he looks to defend. An appeal for LBW but was angled down.
Drinks! Zimbabwe lead by a massive 228 runs and Brad Evans will look to extend and try to get it past 250. Afghanistan will be desperate to pick the final wicket and get out to bat soon. Let's see how it pans out...
102
over
102 | 6 Runs | HH: 355/9
101.6
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, FOUR! Streaky! Flatter, down leg, Brad Evans looks to punch it but gets an inside edge. The ball goes through fine leg for a boundary.
101.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Too full, on off, Brad Evans blocks it back.
101.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Short and wide, Brad Evans looks to slap it but misses.
101.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.
101.2
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tanaka Chivanga, Too full, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga flicks it to square leg for one.
101.1
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Slower one, on off, Brad Evans punches it to cover for one. 350 comes up for Zimbabwe!
101
over
101 | 1 Runs | HH: 349/9
100.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, Much fuller, on off, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it back to the bowler.
100.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, Too full, on off, Tanaka Chivanga digs it back to the bowler. Ziaur Rahman appeals as he thinks it was pad first.
100.4
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, On a length, on off, Brad Evans punches it to cover for one.
100.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Too full, down leg, Brad Evans leaves it alone.
100.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Hard length, outside off, Brad Evans looks to pull it but misses.
100.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, On a length, on leg, Brad Evans blocks it to the on side.
100
over
100 | 7 Runs | HH: 348/9
99.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tanaka Chivanga, Too full, on middle, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it back to the bowler.
99.5
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Much fuller, on leg, Brad Evans flicks it to mid-wicket for one.
99.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Short, on leg, Brad Evans blocks it to mid on.
99.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Too full, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover.
99.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, Slower one, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to cover.
99.1
6
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brad Evans, SIX! That's a massive hit! A half tracker that sits up to be hit, Brad Evans uses his feet and clatters it over long on for a biggie.
99
over
99 | 1 Runs | HH: 341/9
98.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, Too full, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it back to the bowler.
98.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, Back of a length, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga looks to block it but gets a hit on his glove. The ball rolls back towards the bowler.
98.4
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Back of a length, on leg, Brad Evans fends it to square leg for one.
98.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Length again, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid off.
98.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid off.
98.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, On a length, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to point.
98
over
98 | 5 Runs | HH: 340/9
97.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tanaka Chivanga, On a length, on middle and leg, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it to the left of the keeper.
97.5
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Another one down leg, Brad Evans looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.
97.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Sways it down leg, Brad Evans looks to flick it but misses.
97.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Down the leg side, Brad Evans looks to flick it but misses.
97.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Slower one, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid off.
97.1
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, FOUR! Well played! Short, on middle and leg, Brad Evans stays back and pulls it powerfully through backward square leg for a boundary.
97
over
97 | 1 Runs | HH: 335/9
96.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, On a length, on middle and leg, Tanaka Chivanga looks to block it but edges it to the slip fielder.
96.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, On a length, outside off, Tanaka Chivanga looks to cut it but misses.
96.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tanaka Chivanga, Too full, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it to mid off.
Tanaka Chivanga is the last batter.
96.3
W
Ziaur Rahman to Blessing Muzarabani, OUT! TIMBER! Ziaur Rahman gets another. Six wickets for him now! On a length, on middle, shaping away. Blessing Muzarabani looks to loft it but misses as the ball rattles over the off pole. Blessing Muzarabani makes his way back into the shed.
96.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Blessing Muzarabani, Short, down leg, Blessing Muzarabani leaves it alone.
96.1
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Hard length, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover for one.
96
over
96 | 8 Runs | HH: 334/8
95.6
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Length, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover for one.
95.6
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Wide! A wayward bouncer, on leg, Brad Evans leaves. Wided.
95.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Short, on leg, Brad Evans looks to pull it but misses.
95.4
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Blessing Muzarabani, Lands it on off, Blessing Muzarabani eases it to short fine for a quick single. The fielder throws it towards Yamin Ahmadzai who misses a direct hit at the bowlers end. A direct hit and Blessing Muzarabani was a goner.
95.3
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, On a length, on off, Brad Evans taps it to cover for one.
95.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, Short, down leg, Brad Evans leaves it alone.
95.1
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brad Evans, FOUR LEG BYES! The lead goes over 200 now! Down the leg side, Brad Evans looks to flick it but the ball clips his pads and races away to the fence.
95
over
95 | 9 Runs | HH: 326/8
94.6
4
Ziaur Rahman to Blessing Muzarabani, FOUR! Top shot! On a length, outside off, Blessing Muzarabani stands tall and punches it elegantly through point for a boundary.
94.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Blessing Muzarabani, Too full, down leg, Blessing Muzarabani blocks it to square leg.
94.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Blessing Muzarabani, On a length, outside off, Blessing Muzarabani leaves it alone.
94.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Short, on leg, Brad Evans pulls it to mid-wicket for one.
94.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Too full, on leg, Brad Evans flicks it to mid-wicket.
94.1
4
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, FOUR! Excellent from Brad Evans! On a length, just outside off, Brad Evans stays in his crease and punches it magnificently through covers for a boundary.
94
over
94 | 1 Runs | HH: 317/8
93.6
0
Ismat Alam to Blessing Muzarabani, Fuller one, outside off, Blessing Muzarabani leaves it alone.
93.5
0
Ismat Alam to Blessing Muzarabani, Too full, on off, Blessing Muzarabani digs it back to the bowler.
93.4
0
Ismat Alam to Blessing Muzarabani, Much fuller, on off, Blessing Muzarabani blocks it back to the bowler.
93.3
1
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, On a length, on off, Brad Evans taps it to cover for one.
93.2
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Too full, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover.
93.1
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Too full, outside off, Brad Evans leaves it alone.
93
over
93 | 2 Runs | HH: 316/8
92.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Blessing Muzarabani, Too full, on off, Blessing Muzarabani blocks it to the cover fielder.
Blessing Muzarabani walks in to face the hat-trick ball.
92.5
W
Ziaur Rahman to Richard Ngarava, OUT! TIMBER! Ziaur Rahman gets another. A five-wicket haul for the debutant. On a length, outside off, Richard Ngarava looks to punch it but misses as the ball hits the top of off. Ziaur Rahman on a hat-trick now.
Richard Ngarava walks in.
92.4
W
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, OUT! LBW! Ziaur Rahman strikes. On a length, on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga tries to flick it but misses it completely as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Tafadzwa Tsiga makes his way back into the shed.
92.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Short, on leg, Brad Evans pulls it through square leg for one.
92.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Hard length, outside off, Brad Evans leaves it alone.
92.1
1
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a length, on leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks it to square leg for one.
92
over
92 | 0 Runs | HH: 314/6
91.6
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Keeps it full and outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves the harmless delivery. Maiden from Ismat Alam.
91.5
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, On a length, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to mid off.
91.4
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Too full, outside off, Brad Evans looks to drive it but misses.
91.3
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Too full, on off, Brad Evans eases it to cover.
91.2
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Full, way outside off, Brad Evans leaves again.
91.1
0
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Slower one, outside off, Brad Evans leaves it alone.
91
over
91 | 6 Runs | HH: 314/6
90.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Back of a length, outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it alone.
90.5
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Keeps it full, on leg, Brad Evans flicks it through mid-wicket for one.
90.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to the cover fielder.
90.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brad Evans, Hard length, on off, Brad Evans eases it to the point fielder.
90.2
1
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Too full, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga taps it to cover for one.
90.1
4
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga uses the pace of the ball and tickles it fine for a boundary.
Ziaur Rahman to bowl from the other end.
90
over
90 | 8 Runs | HH: 308/6
89.6
2
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans pushes it through point for a brace.
89.5
4
Ismat Alam to Brad Evans, FOUR! Brad Evans gets off the mark with a boundary! Much fuller, outside off, Brad Evans reaches out to it and steers it magnificently through point for a boundary.
Welcome back for the final session of Day 2. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Brad Evans will walk out in the middle to join Tafadzwa Tsiga. Ismat Alam will complete his over. Let's play...
... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...
The cornerstone of Zimbabwe's innings was definitely the outstanding performance of Ben Curran. He finally departed after scoring 121. As the match progresses towards the final session, Afghanistan's primary objective will be to secure the remaining wickets swiftly and limit the burgeoning lead. They will need a concerted effort from their bowling unit to bundle out the hosts and reduce some pressure from their batters. Stay tuned as we will be back in a short while after the Tea Break...
Session Summary - 27.4 overs, 88 runs and 2 wickets! An entertaining session but Zimbabwe are still way ahead in the game. They have maintained their strong dominance, adding a formidable 88 runs to their total in this session. The setback for the hosts was the departure of the in-form Sikandar Raza and the centurion Ben Curran, who departed on the stroke of Tea Break. Despite the loss of two key wickets, the momentum firmly rests with Zimbabwe, who now command a significant and comfortable lead of 175 runs heading into the tea interval.
89.4
W
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, OUT! LBW! Ismat Alam does get a wicket eventually and it's the big wicket of Ben Curran! A slower length delivery around middle and off, nicely deceived as Ben Curran tries to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Right in front and up goes the finger. So, Afghanistan do get a wicket right before TEA.
89.3
1
Ismat Alam to Tafadzwa Tsiga, This is full and outside off, punched to cover for a single.
89.2
0
Ismat Alam to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Touch fuller and on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga solidly defends.
89.1
0
Ismat Alam to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Length ball, wide of off. Tafadzwa Tsiga offers no shot.
89.1
1
Ismat Alam to Tafadzwa Tsiga, No ball! Drama right at the stroke of TEA! Overpitched and wide of off. Tafadzwa Tsiga sees the width and flashes his blade, gets a thick outside edge to the keeper who takes it. Afghanistan start to celebrate but is cut short as the third umpire deems it as a no ball. Ismat Alam has overstepped.
89
over
89 | 0 Runs | HH: 300/5
88.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Short in length and outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms to it once again.
88.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Well outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms to it.
88.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, JUST SHORT! This is full and on middle and leg, Ben Curran looks to flick but gets a soft leading edge to point where the fielder runs to his right and stops it on a bounce.
88.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Drops it short and down leg, Ben Curran looks to pull but misses.
88.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Pushes across a fuller delivery, outside off and Ben Curran offers no shot.
88.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Angles across a length ball, wide of off. Ben Curran lets it go.
88
over
88 | 4 Runs | HH: 300/5
87.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Quick, full and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga prods and solidly defends.
87.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Very full and floated on off, blocked out.
87.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Flighted full and on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans and defends again.
87.3
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR BYES! Goes past everyone. Short and down the leg side, Tafadzwa Tsiga swings across the line but misses and it rolls past the keeper to fine leg for four runs. 300 up for Zimbabwe.
87.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Well outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga prods and leaves it alone.
87.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up full and on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans and defends.
87
over
87 | 0 Runs | HH: 296/5
86.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Attacks the stumps with a length ball, tucked to mid-wicket.
86.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Spills in a length ball, around off, Ben Curran solidly blocks.
86.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Shorter and well outside off. Ben Curran has nothing to do with it.
86.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Length ball on middle, Ben Curran blocks it out.
86.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Tad fuller and around off, Ben Curran bunts it to square leg.
86.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Shorter and around leg, Ben Curran pulls with soft hands and the keeper does well to dive across and stop on a bounce.
86
over
86 | 5 Runs | HH: 296/5
85.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Touch fuller and around off, defended out.
85.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A length delivery, around off, comes with the angle. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to defend as he half-prods but gets hit high on the box.
85.4
4
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, FOUR! Short of a length and outside off. Tafadzwa Tsiga cuts it hard, gets a thick outside edge past the fielder at gully and it races to the fence.
85.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, This is full and on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to push but plays off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.
A halt in play as the physio walks out to attend Tafadzwa Tsiga's right forearm.
85.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A hard length delivery, around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga with a high back lift tries to defend but misses and gets hit on the right forearm.
85.1
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Leg bye! A yorker, shaping on middle and leg. Ben Curra looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. It was going down.
85
over
85 | 0 Runs | HH: 291/5
84.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Pushes it full and close to the off pole. Tafadzwa Tsiga defends.
84.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Yamin Ahmadzai angles in a fuller delivery, around off and shaping away. Tafadzwa Tsiga defends inside the line and gets beaten.
84.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, On a good length and on middle, blocked out.
84.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short in length and wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga hangs back to defend but is well beaten.
84.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Length delivery, wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drops it to cover.
84.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, This is full and on middle and leg, turned to square leg.
Afghanistan have an issue with the new ball and wants to change it.
84
over
84 | 1 Runs | HH: 291/5
83.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length and outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms to it.
83.5
1
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Pitched up, outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans and drives it to the left of mid off for one.
83.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short of a good length and outside off, skids off. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to cut but misses.
83.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Sliding on the pads, Tafadzwa Tsiga hits it straight to mid-wicket.
83.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Angles in a very full ball on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.
83.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, This is full and outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it to mid off.
83
over
83 | 1 Runs | HH: 290/5
82.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Pushes it full and around off, nipping in sharply. Ben Curran looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal for LBW but turned down. Maybe the impact was outside the line.
82.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Touch fuller and around off, tight but Ben Curran is equally good as he defends.
82.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Corrects and brings the line around off, Ben Curran defends well.
82.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Shorter and outside off, left alone.
82.2
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Very full and on middle, punched to mid on for a quick single.
82.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short in length and outside off, swings in and makes it to shape away. Tafadzwa Tsiga is drawn to defend but is beaten.
82
over
82 | 5 Runs | HH: 289/5
81.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Tad fuller and on middle and off. Ben Curran prods a bit and defends it out.
81.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Fuller delivery, outside off, pushed to cover.
81.4
4
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, FOUR! Easy pickings! Overpitched and outside off, Ben Curran leans and creams it through extra cover for a boundary.
81.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A skiddy length and on middle, drilled to mid-wicket for a quick single.
81.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, This is full and on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches it straight to mid on.
81.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Ziaur Rahman begins with a length delivery, just outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks.
81
over
81 | 8 Runs | HH: 284/5
80.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Keeps it closer to the off pole. Ben Curran looks to flick but gets a soft leading edge to cover.
80.5
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, FOUR! Just helped away! Yamin Ahmadzai serves it on a length and on middle, nips in. Ben Curran uses the angle and tickles it to fine leg for four more.
80.4
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, FOUR! Solid shot! Touch fuller and outside off, Ben Curran leans and crunches it through mid off for a boundary.
80.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Serves it full and on middle, Ben Curran pushes it back to the bowler.
Afghanistan have taken the new ball.
80.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, A good length delivery, outside off, Ben Curran defends it to cover.
80.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Shorter and angled away, outside off. Ben Curran lets it go.
With 80 overs done, the new ball is available now. Afghanistan aren't taking the new cherry as of now. Yamin Ahmadzai is back on.
80
over
80 | 3 Runs | HH: 276/5
79.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Flat and turning in on middle, played back to the bowler.
79.5
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Too short and outside off, Ben Curran taps it to point for a single.
79.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Too full and outside off, driven to cover.
79.3
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Very full and on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga nudges it off the inside edge to square leg for one.
79.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up on middle, kept out on the leg side.
79.1
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, A length ball, around off, Ben Curran punches it to mid off for a single.
79
over
79 | 7 Runs | HH: 273/5
78.6
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Flat and around off, Ben Curran drops it to point for a single.
78.5
4
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, FOUR! Ben Curran could change gears after his hundred! Too full and down leg, Ben Curran sweeps it to fine leg for a boundary.
78.4
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Too much flight, full and wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches it to the right of cover for one.
78.3
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Tossed up on middle, blocked out.
78.2
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Floated, slower and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga prods and blocks.
78.1
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Very full and on middle, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for one.
Drinks! The hosts now lead by 139 runs. They have lost Sikandar Raza but Ben Curran is looking exceptional and is batting on 101. They will continue to bat and post a monstrous total here. Afghanistan need quick wickets and they will look to keep the lead below 200. Let's see how it pans out...
78
over
78 | 0 Runs | HH: 266/5
77.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Flatter, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga taps it to the cover fielder.
77.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches it to the cover fielder.
77.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Keeps it full, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it to cover.
77.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Much fuller, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it to short cover.
77.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Quicker, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it back to the bowler again.
77.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Too full, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans on and blocks it back.
77
over
77 | 2 Runs | HH: 266/5
76.6
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Quicker, on middle and leg, Ben Curran flicks it to short mid-wicket.
76.5
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Short, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover.
76.4
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Tafadzwa Tsiga, A full toss, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks it to wide mid on for one.
76.3
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for one.
76.2
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, A low full toss, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid on.
76.1
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Too full, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.
76
over
76 | 0 Runs | HH: 264/5
75.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Much fuller, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans on and blocks it to short cover.
75.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Flatter, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it back again.
75.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Tafadzwa Tsiga, Short, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it back.
Tafadzwa Tsiga walks in.
75.3
W
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, OUT! CAUGHT! Sharafuddin Ashraf strikes and gets the much needed breakthrough. Flatter, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza gets low and looks to slog it but gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air towards deep square leg. Yamin Ahmadzai settles under it and takes a fine catch.
75.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza blocks it back.
75.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover.
75
over
75 | 3 Runs | HH: 264/4
74.6
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Too full, on leg, Sikandar Raza knocks it down the ground for one.
74.5
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, down leg, Sikandar Raza looks to flick it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards the keeper. Dot.
74.4
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.
74.3
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back.
74.2
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, HUNDRED UP FOR BEN CURRAN! Short, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket for one. His maiden Test Hundred!
74.1
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Slower one, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg for one.
74
over
74 | 7 Runs | HH: 261/4
73.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Flatter, outside off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
73.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, on middle, Ben Curran tucks it to the square leg fielder.
73.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Keeps it full, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket.
73.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off.
73.2
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary. He moves to 99 now!
73.1
3
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Full, on leg, Sikandar Raza sweeps it through short fine. The fielder does well to stop the ball with his foot just before the fence. The batters collect three runs.
73
over
73 | 2 Runs | HH: 254/4
72.6
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg for one.
72.5
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Slower one, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to cover.
72.4
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Quicker, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg.
72.3
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran knocks it down the ground for one.
72.2
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Full, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
72.1
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran looks to loft it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. Dot.
72
over
72 | 6 Runs | HH: 252/4
71.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover.
71.5
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for one.
71.4
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to point for one.
71.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Very full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.
71.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on leg, Sikandar Raza tucks it to mid-wicket.
71.1
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, on middle, Sikandar Raza uses the pace of the ball and sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary. 250 comes up for Zimbabwe. They lead by 123 now.
71
over
71 | 5 Runs | HH: 246/4
70.6
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Slower one, on off, Sikandar Raza chips it over extra cover for a single.
70.5
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to cover.
70.4
2
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Too full, outside off, Sikandar Raza drives it through covers. The fielder chases and stops the ball with his foot just before the fence. The batters collect two runs.
70.3
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Slower one, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid on for one.
70.2
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Turn and bounce, outside off, Ben Curran looks to block it but misses. A stifled appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved.
70.1
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, A low full toss, on leg, Sikandar Raza sweeps it to backward square leg for a single.
70
over
70 | 10 Runs | HH: 241/4
69.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to short cover.
69.5
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, FOUR! Excellent from Ben Curran! Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran leans on and drives it magnificently through wide mid off for a boundary.
69.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back.
69.3
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Fifty up for Sikandar Raza! Much fuller, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg for one.
69.2
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, on middle, Sikandar Raza gets down on one knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
69.1
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
69
over
69 | 1 Runs | HH: 231/4
68.6
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Quicker, on off, Sikandar Raza eases it to the cover fielder.
68.5
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Short, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to wide mid on for one.
68.4
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Very full, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to cover.
68.3
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Slower one, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
68.2
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Short, on off, Ben Curran taps it to backward point.
68.1
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back.
68
over
68 | 2 Runs | HH: 230/4
67.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up, on off, Sikandar Raza digs it to cover.
67.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza leans on and blocks it back.
67.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to the cover fielder.
67.3
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Fuller, outside off, Ben Curran pushes it to point for one.
67.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran eases it back to the bowler.
67.1
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover for one.
67
over
67 | 1 Runs | HH: 228/4
66.6
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Flatter, on off, Ben Curran blocks it solidly.
66.5
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Full again, on off, Ben Curran digs it back to the bowler.
66.4
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Flatter, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
66.3
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Ben Curran, Full again, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover.
66.2
1
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Much fuller, on middle, Sikandar Raza sweeps it through backward square leg for a single.
66.1
0
Hashmatullah Shahidi to Sikandar Raza, Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to cover.
66
over
66 | 2 Runs | HH: 227/4
65.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Back of a length, on off, Ben Curran fends it back to the bowler.
65.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to short cover.
65.4
2
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length, on middle, Ben Curran tucks it through square leg for a brace. The lead moves to 100 now!
65.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Too full, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover.
65.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Down the leg side, Ben Curran looks to flick it but misses.
65.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.
65
over
65 | 4 Runs | HH: 225/4
64.6
2
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on off, Sikandar Raza steers it through covers for a brace.
64.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Quicker, on leg, Sikandar Raza covers his line and blocks it back.
64.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to mid off.
64.3
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, just outside off, Ben Curran taps it to point for one.
64.2
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to mid off for one.
64.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Short, on leg, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.
64
over
64 | 5 Runs | HH: 221/4
63.6
2
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Keeps it full, on leg, Ben Curran turns it to backward square leg for a brace.
63.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Hard length, on off, Ben Curran eases it to the left of the keeper.
63.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Full again, on off, Ben Curran eases it to mid off.
63.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Too full, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
63.2
1
Ziaur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Length, down leg, Sikandar Raza looks to flick it but the ball clips his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.
63.1
2
Ziaur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Much fuller, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it through backward square leg for a brace.
Ziaur Rahman to bowl from the other end.
63
over
63 | 2 Runs | HH: 216/4
62.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Too full, on off, Ben Curran leans on and blocks it back.
62.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, on middle, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.
62.4
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Quicker, on off, Sikandar Raza knocks it to mid on for one.
62.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Full again, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back again.
62.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza leans on and blocks it back.
62.1
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Flatter, on middle and leg, Ben Curran turns it to backward square leg for a single.
Welcome back for the second session of Day 2. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran will resume their innings. Sharafuddin Ashraf will start with the ball. Let's go...
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
Afghanistan have a lot to think. They did well to pick two wickets but the partnership of Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza troubled them quite a bit. They need wickets and need them in quick time. The pitch has eased up, the pacers are still getting some purchase but Afghanistan need to bring in some more energy into the game. Can they start the second session with a couple of wickets, or will Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza continue their merry way? Stay tuned to find out.
A good start to Day 2 as Zimbabwe extend their lead to 87 runs. Despite losing two key wickets of Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine, Ben Curran has held one end tightly while Sikandar Raza has looked calm and composed for his 37 not out so far. So far, the hosts have ticked all the boxes and will hope for a productive next session.
62
over
62 | 5 Runs | HH: 214/4
61.6
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Very full and around off, Ben Curran hits it down to long on for a single. LUNCH.
61.5
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Very full and on middle and leg. Ben Curran blocks it on the deck.
61.4
4
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, FOUR! Punished! Shorter and outside off, wide of off. Ben Curran crunches it through extra cover for a boundary.
61.3
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Very full and on leg, Ben Curran leans and keeps it out on the leg side.
61.2
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Khalil Gurbaz lands it on middle, a googly, turning sharply. Ben Curran rocks back to defend but misses it. A stifled appeal for caught behind but turned down.
61.1
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Flighted on middle, defended out.
61
over
61 | 0 Runs | HH: 209/4
60.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Nicely tossed up on middle, Sikandar Raza solidly blocks.
60.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Too full and on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza eases it to mid on.
60.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Very full and on middle, floated. Sikandar Raza defends it out.
60.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, An arm ball, around off, punched to mid off.
60.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Slower in the air, full and on off. Sikandar Raza defends on the front foot.
60.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up on top of off, punched to cover.
60
over
60 | 9 Runs | HH: 209/4
59.6
3
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, THREE RUNS! Drifts it down the leg side, Sikandar Raza sweeps it to fine leg where the fielder dives to his right and saves a run. Good running. Three runs.
59.5
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, One more run as Ben Curran clips it to mid-wicket.
59.4
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, A half-tracker, on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.
59.3
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, Flighted too full and on off, Sikandar Raza leans and defends.
59.2
4
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Smacked away! Drops it short and on middle, Sikandar Raza rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.
59.1
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, Slides in a fuller delivery on middle, Sikandar Raza prods and defends.
59
over
59 | 4 Runs | HH: 200/4
58.6
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up on middle, tucked to square leg for a single.
58.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, The one that comes with the arm, short and on off, Sikandar Raza chops it to point.
58.4
2
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Flat and around off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover. The fielder throws at the bowler's end and hits as Ben Curran stutters for a single. He gets back in but the ball rolls away to long on for a couple.
58.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up on the pads, nudged to mid-wicket.
58.2
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Flat and around off, turning in. Ben Curran plays it to mid on for a single.
58.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Pushes it full and around off, Ben Curran blocks back to the bowler.
58
over
58 | 2 Runs | HH: 196/4
57.6
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, Quick, short and on leg, Sikandar Raza rocks back to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.
57.5
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, A googly, too full and on middle, Sikandar Raza leans and defends.
57.4
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Floats it too full and around off, drilled to long on for a single.
57.3
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, Shorter and outside off, Sikandar Raza cuts it to deep point for a single.
57.2
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, Flat and angling in, around off, Sikandar Raza prods and defends.
57.1
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Sikandar Raza, Tossed up full and on middle, Sikandar Raza leans and blocks.
Khalil Gurbaz to have a go before the end of the session.
57
over
57 | 9 Runs | HH: 194/4
56.6
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Ismat Alam gets it to swing in a bit, too full and on off, Ben Curran plays with the angle to mid on.
56.5
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Slants in a fuller delivery, around off, Ben Curran defends on the deck.
56.4
1
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Angling on the pads, Sikandar Raza helps it to fine leg for a single.
56.3
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, On a length and around off, Sikandar Raza blocks.
56.2
4
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries. Short in length and on middle, Sikandar Raza bends a bit and pulls it past deep square leg for a boundary.
56.1
4
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! A replica of Raza's previous boundary. Touch fuller and around off. Sikandar Raza leans and drives it through mid off for a boundary.
56
over
56 | 0 Runs | HH: 185/4
55.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a good length and wide of off, Ben Curran plays it to point.
55.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Fuller delivery, outside off, driven to cover.
55.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Short in length and on top of off, blocked out.
55.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Slants in a length ball around off, Ben Curran half-presses and defends it out.
55.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a nagging length and wide of off. Ben Curran steps forward to defend.
55.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Angles across a length delivery, outside off, it is left alone.
55
over
55 | 4 Runs | HH: 185/4
54.6
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Ismat Alam keeps it full and around off, Sikandar Raza prods and blocks.
54.5
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Solid defensive shot again from Sikandar Raza.
54.4
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, On middle on a length. Sikandar Raza defends.
54.3
4
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Too easy for someone like Raza! Overpitched and just outside off. Sikandar Raza leans into his shot and drives it through mid off for a boundary.
54.2
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Keeps it full and touch wide, around off, Sikandar Raza taps it to cover.
54.1
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Touch fuller and attacking the stumps. Sikandar Raza defends on the off side.
54
over
54 | 5 Runs | HH: 181/4
53.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Bangs it short and on middle, Ben Curran ducks under it.
53.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Shorter and outside off, Ben Curran lets it go.
53.4
2
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Touch fuller and wide of off. Ben Curran punches it square on the off side for a couple of runs.
53.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Gets it close to the off pole, length ball. Ben Curran blocks it out.
53.2
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Angling on the pads, tucked to square leg for a single.
53.1
2
Yamin Ahmadzai to Sikandar Raza, Fuller delivery on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
53
over
53 | 5 Runs | HH: 176/4
52.6
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Pitches it up, outside off. Ben Curran steps across and pushes it to short cover.
52.5
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Shorter and outside off, Ben Curran leaves.
52.4
1
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Tad fuller and outside off, Sikandar Raza leans across and pushes it to cover. One.
52.3
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Well outside off, Sikandar Raza shoulders arms to it.
52.2
4
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, FOUR! Slapped away! Shorter and wide of off. Sikandar Raza crunches it through point, in the gap and it rolls to the fence.
52.1
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Good length delivery, around off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and blocks.
52
over
52 | 2 Runs | HH: 171/4
51.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length ball on middle, Ben Curran defends on the surface.
51.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Shorter and on off, Ben Curran ducks under it.
51.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Short of a length and outside off, Ben Curran taps on the top and on the off side.
51.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Hard length delivery around off, Sikandar Raza strokes it to mid on for one.
51.2
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length ball around off, Ben Curran turns it to mid-wicket for a single.
51.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Goes very full and shaping on off, pushed back to the bowler.
51
over
51 | 2 Runs | HH: 169/4
50.6
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Touch fuller and outside off, shapes away. Sikandar Raza shoulders arms to it.
50.5
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Bowls very full and around off, dig out back to the bowler.
50.4
2
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Ismat Alam gives width on the off side. Sikandar Raza leans and carves it through point for a couple of runs.
50.3
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Short in length and outside off, Sikandar Raza knocks it to cover.
50.2
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Overpitched and outside off, Sikandar Raza leans and pushes it to point.
50.1
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, A good length ball, outside off. Sikandar Raza blocks.
Drinks! Afghanistan have done well so far and they will look for quick wickets and claw their way up slowly in the game. They need to get the wicket of Ben Curran who looks well set. The hosts will look to add more runs and bat long. They currently lead by 40 runs. Let's see how it pans out...
50
over
50 | 2 Runs | HH: 167/4
49.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Short, on leg, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
49.5
1
Ziaur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Much fuller, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it through square leg for a single.
49.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Length, outside off, Sikandar Raza leaves it alone.
49.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Much fuller, targeting the stumps, Sikandar Raza covers his line and blocks it.
49.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Sikandar Raza, Length again, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.
49.1
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to square leg for a single.
49
over
49 | 4 Runs | HH: 165/4
48.6
0
Ismat Alam to Sikandar Raza, Slower one, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to short cover.
Sikandar Raza is the next batter.
48.5
W
Ismat Alam to Craig Ervine, OUT! PLUMB! Ismat Alam gets his first. On a length, on off, shaping in. Craig Ervine leans on and looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Craig Ervine makes his way back into the shed.
48.4
0
Ismat Alam to Craig Ervine, On a length, angling in, on off. Craig Ervine leans on and blocks it to mid off.
48.3
0
Ismat Alam to Craig Ervine, Back of a length, on off, Craig Ervine punches it to cover.
48.2
0
Ismat Alam to Craig Ervine, Much fuller, on off, Craig Ervine blocks it back.
48.1
4
Ismat Alam to Craig Ervine, FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Craig Ervine leans on and cracks a drive through extra covers for a boundary.
48
over
48 | 0 Runs | HH: 161/3
47.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to the cover fielder.
47.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to mid off.
47.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
47.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller this time, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.
47.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length again, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.
47.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
47
over
47 | 6 Runs | HH: 161/3
46.6
1
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Keeps it full, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover for one.
46.5
4
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller again, outside off, Ben Curran leans on and drives it magnificently through mid off for a boundary.
46.4
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
46.3
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Hard length, on off, Ben Curran covers his line and blocks it to mid off.
46.2
1
Ismat Alam to Craig Ervine, A low full toss, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it through mid-wicket for single.
46.1
0
Ismat Alam to Craig Ervine, Too full, on off, Craig Ervine pushes it to mid off.
46
over
46 | 1 Runs | HH: 155/3
45.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Too full, targeting the stumps, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
45.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran leaves the harmless delivery.
45.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Oh! Length, outside off, Ben Curran tries to block it but gets beaten.
45.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Craig Ervine, Length, down leg, Craig Ervine looks to flick it but the ball hits his thighs and rolls towards fine leg. The collect a leg bye.
The skipper, Craig Ervine walks in.
45.2
W
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, OUT! TIMBER! Ziaur Rahman strikes and breaks the gritty stand! On a length, on off, and it nips in a bit and stays low. Brendan Taylor goes deep in his crease to block it but misses as the ball rattles over the off pole. A much needed wicket for Afghanistan.
45.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, On a length, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.
45
over
45 | 4 Runs | HH: 154/2
44.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Length again, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off.
44.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran fends it back to the bowler.
44.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.
44.3
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, FOUR! Excellent from Ben Curran! Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran gets down on one knee and drives it through covers for a boundary.
44.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Slower one, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.
44.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Short, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
44
over
44 | 5 Runs | HH: 150/2
43.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Keeps it full, on leg, Brendan Taylor defends it to mid on.
43.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Too full, targeting the stumps, Brendan Taylor blocks it to mid off.
43.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Length, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.
43.3
4
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, on middle, Brendan Taylor stays back and punches it down the ground for a boundary. 150 comes up for Zimbabwe. They lead by 23 runs now!
43.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Slightly shorter again, on off, Brendan Taylor hops a bit and fends it to short cover.
43.1
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Back of a length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran tucks it to backward square leg for a single.
43
over
43 | 1 Runs | HH: 145/2
42.6
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Too full, on middle and leg, Ben Curran flicks it to backward square leg for a single.
42.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
42.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Slower one, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to the on side. Dot again.
42.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, just outside off, Ben Curran punches it to the mid off fielder.
42.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Oh! Length again, outside off, shaping away. Ben Curran tries to block it but misses.
42.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Slower one, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
42
over
42 | 8 Runs | HH: 144/2
41.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Hard length, outside off, Brendan Taylor shoulders arms at it.
41.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid off.
41.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor has a waft at it but misses.
41.3
4
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, FOUR MORE! Edge again! Short ball, outside off, Brendan Taylor looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over the slip fielder for yet another boundary.
41.2
4
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, FOUR! Edgy! Back of a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor goes back and looks to punch it. Gets an outside edge as the ball goes through the slip and the gully fielder for a boundary.
41.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Goes fuller, just outside off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.
41
over
41 | 1 Runs | HH: 136/2
40.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Keeps it full, on middle, Ben Curran blocks it back.
40.5
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brendan Taylor, Goes fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it through square leg for a single.
40.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brendan Taylor, Back of a length, just outside off, Brendan Taylor hangs back and punches it to the mid off fielder.
40.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brendan Taylor, Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back.
40.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brendan Taylor, On a length, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to square leg.
40.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brendan Taylor, Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to short cover.
40
over
40 | 5 Runs | HH: 135/2
39.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Hard length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
39.5
4
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, FOUR! That's a poor delivery! Ziaur Rahman errs his line down leg, Ben Curran hangs back and helps it fine for a boundary.
39.4
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, First runs of the day. Lands it on leg, Brendan Taylor turns it to backward square leg for a single.
39.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, On a length, targeting the stumps, Brendan Taylor covers his line and blocks it back again.
39.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Length again, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.
39.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, On a length, on leg, Brendan Taylor fends it to short mid-wicket.
Ziaur Rahman to share the attack.
39
over
39 | 0 Runs | HH: 130/2
38.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Maiden to start. Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.
38.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off.
38.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, A slower bouncer, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
38.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Three dots in a row. Good length, on middle, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
38.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Hard length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket again.
38.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Starts with a length ball, on middle and leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.
All set for Day 2's play to begin. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Brendan Taylor and Ben Curran will resume their innings. Yamin Ahmadzai will start with the ball. Let's go...
Pitch Report - The pitch is similar to yesterday's, with some cracks appearing. However, the grass cover will help, and bowlers who hit the right areas can expect to get wickets.
We are all set for a critical day. Will Zimbabwe seize the initiative and bat long, or can Afghanistan mount a spirited fightback with the ball? Join us for all the action as Day 2 gets underway...
However, Afghanistan’s bowlers will be desperate for early breakthroughs. They rely heavily on the debutant Ziaur Rahman, who claimed both wickets on Day 1, including the crucial one of Nick Welch for 49. A couple of quick wickets could expose Zimbabwe's middle order and suddenly balance out the game.
The focus this morning will be squarely on Zimbabwe's two unbeaten batters, Ben Curran and Brendan Taylor. Curran, having already reached his second Test fifty and looking rock solid, will aim to convert this start into a massive score. Veteran Taylor, meanwhile, provides the experience to manage the innings. Zimbabwe will be looking to pile on the runs and build a lead that can effectively bat Afghanistan out of the game.
Welcome to Day 2 of the Test in Harare! The opening day clearly belonged to the hosts, Zimbabwe, who finished in a commanding position. After bowling out Afghanistan for a paltry 127, thanks to Brad Evans' brilliant 5/22, Zimbabwe's batters showed resilience. They ended the day on 130/2, having taken a slim but crucial 3-run lead.
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
That's all for Day 1. The hosts hold a slender 3-run lead and will aim to extend it tomorrow. Afghanistan will look to strike early and mount a comeback. Tune in tomorrow at 8 am GMT and a bit early for the pre-match analysis. Until then, take care, and cheers!
With the chance to take control, Zimbabwe came out to bat and played smartly. They only lost two wickets by the end of the day. Ben Curran was the main batter, scoring a great 52 runs, and the experienced Brendan Taylor was with him on 18 runs. Zimbabwe are now at 130 runs, meaning they already have a small 3-run lead. They have finished the day strongly and will be aiming to bat for a long time tomorrow to build a huge lead and bury the Afghan team under pressure.
However, everything changed very quickly. Once Tanaka Chivanga finally broke the partnership, it was the start of a major disaster for Afghanistan. Zimbabwe’s bowlers suddenly became unstoppable. The star was Brad Evans, who bowled incredibly well to take 5 wickets for just 22 runs. Blessing Muzarabani helped him out with 3 wickets. The Afghan team completely fell apart, losing an unbelievable nine wickets for only 50 runs. They were all out for a very low score of 127 even before the tea break.
Day 1 started with Afghanistan trying to set a good score, and for a while, it looked like they might. They lost Ibrahim Zadran early, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdul Malik played well together and built a solid partnership of 54 runs for the second wicket. They were playing carefully and making sure the runs kept ticking over, putting the pressure back on the Zimbabwean bowlers. It seemed like Afghanistan was in control and heading towards a strong total.
It has got a bit dark here at the Harare Sports Club. The umpire takes the reading, and off come the bails! Stumps are called on Day 1. The hosts end on a high, leading by 3 runs with 8 wickets in the bank.
38
over
38 | 5 Runs | HH: 130/2
37.6
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Short again, on leg, Ben Curran pulls it to square leg for one more.
37.5
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to wide mid off for one.
37.4
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Short, on leg, Ben Curran tugs it to square leg for one. Zimbabwe leads by a run now!
37.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Back of a length, on leg, Brendan Taylor tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
37.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Short, on off, Brendan Taylor ducks under it.
37.1
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran pulls it through backward square leg for a single. Fifty up for Ben Curran. His second Test fifty.
37
over
37 | 4 Runs | HH: 125/2
36.6
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short, outside off, Ben Curran punches it through covers for one.
36.5
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Slower one, on off, Brendan Taylor punches it to mid off for one.
36.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Short, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid off.
36.3
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Flatter, on off, Ben Curran knocks it down the ground for one.
36.2
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Flatter, outside off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid off for one.
36.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Too full, on off, Brendan Taylor leans on and blocks it back.
36
over
36 | 5 Runs | HH: 121/2
35.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Too full, on off, Ben Curran drives it to the cover fielder.
35.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back.
35.4
1
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid on for one.
35.3
4
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, FOUR! Cheeky from Brendan Taylor! Short, on off, Brendan Taylor makes room and plays an uppercut over short third for a boundary.
35.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.
35.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, On a length, outside off, Brian Bennett looks to play at it but misses.
35
over
35 | 6 Runs | HH: 116/2
34.6
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Too full, on leg, Brendan Taylor knocks it down the ground for a single.
34.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Quicker, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it to mid off.
34.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Too full, on off, Brendan Taylor leans on and blocks it back.
34.3
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor picks it well and lifts it magnificently over mid off for a boundary.
34.2
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Brendan Taylor, Short, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back.
34.1
1
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket fo one.
34
over
34 | 4 Runs | HH: 110/2
33.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.
33.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor punches it to mid off.
33.4
4
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, FOUR! Brendan Taylor is up and running! Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor uses the pace of the ball and tickles it fine for a boundary.
33.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, Length again, outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves it alone.
33.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brendan Taylor, On a length, on middle and leg, shaping away. Brendan Taylor looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A huge appeal for lbw but turned down. Perhaps missing leg.
Brendan Taylor comes in at number 4.
33.1
W
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, OUT! TIMBER! That's a ripper from Ziaur Rahman. On a length, just outside off, and it nips it late. Nick Welch looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball rattles over the off pole. Nick Welch departs for 49!
33
over
33 | 6 Runs | HH: 106/1
32.6
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Short, on off, Ben Curran punches it to the cover fielder.
32.5
4
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, FOUR! Well played! Tossed up, on leg, Ben Curran uses the pace of the ball and helps it fine for a boundary.
32.4
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Short, on leg, Nick Welch tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.
32.3
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Lands it on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for a single.
32.2
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran drives it to the cover fielder.
32.1
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Flatter, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to cover.
32
over
32 | 1 Runs | HH: 100/1
31.6
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length, on leg, Ben Curran helps it fine for a single. 100 comes up for Zimbabwe!
31.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
31.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran drives it but finds the cover fielder.
31.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid on.
31.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Hard length, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
31.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, On a length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to mid off.
31
over
31 | 4 Runs | HH: 99/1
30.6
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Too full, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for a single.
30.5
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Too full, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.
30.4
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Fuller, on leg, Nick Welch punches it to mid off for one.
30.3
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to wide mid on for one. The fielder makes a direct hit at the bowler's end. The umpire checks and confirms that Ben Curran was safely in.
30.2
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Short, on off, Nick Welch punches it to cover for one.
30.1
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Too full, on off, Nick Welch leans on and blocks it back.
30
over
30 | 5 Runs | HH: 95/1
29.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid on. Dot.
29.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Good length, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.
29.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Keeps it full, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off.
29.3
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, FOUR! Top shot from Ben Curran! Back of a length, on off, Ben Curran goes deep in his crease and pulls it powerfully through mid-wicket for a boundary.
29.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to the mid off fielder.
29.1
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Hard length, on off, Nick Welch taps it to mid on for a quick single. That's good running between the wickets.
29
over
29 | 5 Runs | HH: 90/1
28.6
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Short, on off, Nick Welch punches it to cover for one.
28.5
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Much fuller, on leg, Nick Welch flicks it to mid on.
28.4
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Quicker, outside off, Nick Welch looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. An appeal but turned down. Perhaps the impact was outside off.
28.3
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Flatter, on leg, Nick Welch flicks it to mid-wicket.
28.2
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Short and wide, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
28.1
4
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, outside off, Nick Welch gets down on one knee and chips it over mid off for a boundary.
DRINKS! A solid batting show from Zimbabwe so far, as they are not allowing Afghanistan to sniff near the wicket. Just one reprieve in this session so far when Nick Welch edged one behind to the keeper but it turned down that Ismat Alam overstepped, apart from that it's all Zimbabwe and the hosts will hope it remains the same till the last ball of the day.
28
over
28 | 5 Runs | HH: 85/1
27.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Outside off and it nips back in late. Curran covers his stumps and lets it go.
27.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Touch fuller and around off, Curran prods and blocks it out.
27.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Angles away a length delivery. Curran watchfully leaves it alone.
27.3
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Leg bye! Darting on the pads. Nick Welch fails to flick and it rolls off the pads to square leg for a leg bye.
27.2
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, FOUR! Streaky! Pushes it full and around off, shapes away a bit. Nick Welch looks to flick but gets a leading edge past point for a boundary.
27.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, A good length delivery, Nick Welch gets inside the line and defends it out.
27
over
27 | 9 Runs | HH: 80/1
26.6
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Flat and outside off, Nick Welch slaps it to point for a single.
26.5
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Tossed up on middle, the wrong 'un. Nick Welch leans to defend but misses. A huge appeal for LBW but turned down as it was sliding down.
26.4
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, On the pads, it was the googly. Nick Welch flicks it to short leg.
26.3
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Flatter delivery, around off, Curran nudges it to mid-wicket where the fielder dives to his right and half-stops for a single.
26.2
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Too full and outside off, pushed to cover for a single.
26.1
6
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, SIX! NAILED IT! Khalil Gurbaz bowls it very full, in the slot on middle, Nick Welch slog-sweeps it over mid-wicket for a biggie.
26
over
26 | 1 Runs | HH: 71/1
25.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Short in length and outside off. Curran drops it to point for no run.
25.5
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, On a length and on middle, eased to mid on for a single.
25.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Yamin Ahmadzai sticks to the length channel and bowls just outside off. Nick Welch withdraws his bat in time.
25.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Pushes it full and outside off, Nick Welch offers no shot again.
25.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Well outside off, Nick Welch shoulders arms to it.
25.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, A good length delivery, around off, angling in. Nick Welch steps forward to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Gets hit in the inner thigh and seems to be in some pain.
25
over
25 | 7 Runs | HH: 70/1
24.6
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, Flighted full and on off, Curran prods and defends it out.
24.5
2
Khalil Gurbaz to Ben Curran, A leggie, shorter and outside off, Curran cuts it through point for a couple of runs.
24.4
1
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, A googly, fuller and on the pads, Nick Welch turns it to square leg for a single.
24.3
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, A googly, too full and on middle, Nick Welch drills it to mid on.
24.2
4
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, FOUR! Helped away! Very full and spinning down leg. Nick Welch gets on his knee and sweeps it to fine leg for a boundary.
24.1
0
Khalil Gurbaz to Nick Welch, Floats it full and around off, Nick Welch leans and blocks it out.
Khalil Gurbaz is into the attack.
24
over
24 | 1 Runs | HH: 63/1
23.6
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, This is full and around middle and off. Ben Curran keeps it out on the off side.
23.5
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Back of a length and wide of off. Curran shoulders arms to it.
23.4
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Short in length and outside off, Curran slaps it straight to cover.
23.3
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Length ball, outside off. Curran shuffles across and blocks it out.
23.2
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Tad fuller and around off, Curran prods and blocks it out.
23.1
1
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Overpitches and swings back in late, outside off. Nick Welch leans to drive but gets an inside edge past the stumps to square leg for one.
23
over
23 | 0 Runs | HH: 62/1
22.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Length ball, outside off, Curran leans and blocks it out.
22.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Ouch, that will hurt! Hard length delivery and it bounces a bit, around off, Curran steps across to defend but misses and gets hit on the box. He is in pain. Walks across the pitch and is on his haunches. Curran is fine and ready to continue.
22.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Touch fuller and around the sixth stump line. Curran leans and shoulders arms to it.
22.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a hard length and outside off, Curran solidly defends on the off side.
22.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Short of a good length and outside off, jags back in sharply. Curran is beaten as he hangs back to defend but misses and wears on the pads.
22.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Short of a length and around off, Curran works it to mid-wicket.
22
over
22 | 5 Runs | HH: 62/1
21.6
4
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, FOUR! Nick Welch finally nails one down the ground. On middle, fuller. Nick Welch hits with a straight bat past Alam and down the ground for four runs.
21.5
1
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Ismat Alam pushes his length forward and bowls outside off. Curran stretches across to defend but gets a thick outside edge in the gap past the slip cordon and gully for a single.
21.4
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Well outside off once again and Curran lets it go.
21.3
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Good length ball, outside off. Curran bends forward and punches it to cover.
21.2
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Shorter and outside off, Curran shoulders arms to it.
21.1
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, On a good length and close to the off pole. Curran stays back and solidly blocks it out.
21
over
21 | 3 Runs | HH: 57/1
20.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, This is full and around off, pushed to mid off.
20.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Pitches it up, around off, Nick Welch punches it to the right of cover. A yer or no for a single and they stay against it in the end.
20.4
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Darts in a length ball, around off, Curran nudges it to fine leg for a single.
20.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, This is full and on middle, played back to the bowler.
20.2
2
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Very full and around off, Curran whips it to mid-wicket where the ball turns and rolls past the man at mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
20.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Good length delivery, around off, jags back in. Curran stays inside the line and defend it out.
Yamin Ahmadzai is back on.
20
over
20 | 0 Runs | HH: 54/1
19.6
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, On a length and around off. Nick Welch solidly defends it out.
19.5
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Nick Welch is struggling! A good length delivery outside off, it shapes back in a long way, hitting Welch on the pads as he fails to flick.
19.4
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Very full and around off, punched to mid off.
19.3
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Ismat Alam overpitches and gets it to shape back in a bit, on middle. Nick Welch swings across the line but manages an inside edge onto the pads.
19.2
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Short of a good length and around off, it lands and nips in sharply. Nick Welch is beaten by the movement and wears it on the pads.
19.1
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Tad fuller and around middle and off. Nick Welch hangs back and blocks it out.
19
over
19 | 3 Runs | HH: 54/1
18.6
1
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Pushes it full and on middle, Nick Welch turns it to square leg for one.
18.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Well bowled! Short in length and close to the fifth stump line. Nick Welch is interested as he pushes with hard hands but misses.
18.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Drops it short and outside off, nips away. Nick Welch offers no shot.
18.3
2
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Too full and angling on the pads, Nick Welch whips it behind square on the leg side for a couple.
18.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Well outside off, Nick Welch shoulders arms to it.
18.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Serves it on a length and outside off, Nick Welch prods with his front foot across and leaves it alone.
18
over
18 | 4 Runs | HH: 51/1
17.6
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Short in length and outside off, Curran has a poke at it but misses.
17.5
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Pushes it full and outside off, Curran blocks it on the off side.
17.4
4
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, FOUR! JUST OVER! Ismat Alam bowls it on a nagging length and wide of off. Curran bends to cut but gets a thick outside edge over the second slip fielder for a boundary. 50 up for Zimbabwe.
17.3
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, This is full and outside off, Curran defends it to point.
17.2
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Serves it full and wide of off. Curran shoulders arms to it.
17.1
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Bowls the skiddy length and outside off. Curran tries to push with soft hands and cue ends it to the man at gully.
17
over
17 | 1 Runs | HH: 47/1
16.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Too short and too wide. Nick Welch lets it go.
16.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Ziaur Rahman bowls slightly short and outside off, Nick Welch rocks back and slashes but fails to connect.
16.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Fuller delivery, outside off, Nick Welch drives well but straight to point.
16.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Short in length and on the hips. Curran pulls it to fine leg for a single.
16.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Ziaur Rahman keeps it short and bowls on middle, Curran lets it go again. Ziaur Rahman has a word with Curran in his followthrough.
16.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Drops a bouncer on middle and leg, Curran ducks under it.
16
over
16 | 1 Runs | HH: 46/1
15.6
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Keeps it full and close to the off pole. Nick Welch bends forward and defends it out.
15.5
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, This is full and around off, Nick Welch plays it to mid off.
15.5
1
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, EDGED AND GONE! OH, NO! Ismat Alam has overstepped and Nick Welch walks back with a big smile. Ismat Alam pitches it up, outside off, Nick Welch leans to drive but gets a thick outside edge to the keeper who makes no mistake.What a moment in the game. Can Nick Welch make the most of the lifeline?
15.4
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Pushes it fuller and on middle, nips in. Nick Welch prods and blocks.
15.3
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Tad fuller and on middle, Nick Welch leans to flick but gets a leading edge, back over Ismat Alam's hand and to mid off.
15.2
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Bowls a good length delivery, outside off, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
15.1
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Touch fuller and on middle and off, Nick Welch defends it to mid off.
15
over
15 | 5 Runs | HH: 45/1
14.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Shorter and down the leg side, Curran looks to pull but misses.
14.5
3
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, THREE RUNS! Yorks him a delivery right in the blockhole. Nick Welch falls over as he flicks it. Gets up quickly as he finds the gap and takes three runs.
14.4
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Bowls it short and around off, Curran pulls but gets a top edge onto the helmet and it rolls to deep square leg for a single.
14.3
1
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Drifts in a full ball on middle and leg, drilled to mid on for a single.
14.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Bowls with an angle and targets the stumps. Nick Welch solidly defends it to cover.
14.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, A length ball, outside off, Nick Welch shoulders arms to it.
Back for the final session. Nick Welch and Ben Curran to resume their batting. Ziaur Rahman to bowl after the break.
...DAY 1, THIRD SESSION...
Earlier, Afghanistan's lost five wickets inside an hour, getting bowled out for 127. A 54-run partnership between Abdul Malik and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37) offered brief stability after early wicket loss, but the batting order collapsed thereafter. Zimbabwe's pace bowlers led the charge, with Brad Evans' 5-wicket haul and Blessing Muzarabani's 3 wickets driving Afghanistan's downfall. Right now, the hosts are in the drivers seat and will hope to end the day as well. Stay tuned for the final session.
Zimbabwe lose just one wicket in the small period they had to bat in this session. The hosts have been watchful and played cautiously to see it through. The pitch stayed true to its nature, but more than that, the inexperienced bowling line up of Afghanistan haven't trouble Zimbabwe much in this session.
14
over
14 | 1 Runs | HH: 40/1
13.6
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, shaping away. Ben Curran looks to block it but misses. That will be TEA on Day 1.
13.5
0
Ismat Alam to Ben Curran, Short and wide, Ben Curran slaps it to the fielder at backward point.
13.4
1
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Keeps it full, on leg, Nick Welch turns it to square leg for one.
13.3
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Much fuller, on off, Nick Welch blocks it back to the bowler.
13.2
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, Length again, outside off, Nick Welch leaves again.
13.1
0
Ismat Alam to Nick Welch, On a length, outside off, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
13
over
13 | 4 Runs | HH: 39/1
12.6
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Dot to end. Tossed up, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back.
12.5
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
12.4
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Tossed up, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to square leg.
12.3
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Short again, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid on.
12.2
4
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, FOUR! That's a good shot! Short, just outside off, Ben Curran makes room and caresses it through covers for a boundary.
12.1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf to Ben Curran, Quicker one, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to short cover.
Some spin as Sharafuddin Ashraf comes into the attack.
12
over
12 | 4 Runs | HH: 35/1
11.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Hard length, outside off, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
11.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Back of a length, on off, Nick Welch looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball goes towards the keeper. A huge appeal but the finger stays down.
11.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Hard length, on middle, Nick Welch blocks it back to the bowler.
11.3
4
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Nick Welch reaches out to it and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary.
11.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Short ball, on off, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
11.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, On a length, on middle and leg, Nick Welch blocks it to mid on.
11
over
11 | 6 Runs | HH: 31/1
10.6
3
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Too full, on leg, Nick Welch flicks it through mid-wicket for three runs.
10.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, On a length, on off, Nick Welch taps it to cover for one.
10.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Keeps it full, on off, Nick Welch blocks it to mid off.
10.3
3
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Goes fuller, outside off, Ben Curran drives it through covers. The fielder has a long chase to do as the batters collect three runs.
10.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it again.
10.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Slower one, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
10
over
10 | 0 Runs | HH: 25/1
9.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, On a length, on off, Nick Welch eases it to mid off. Maiden.
9.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Goes fuller, on off, Nick Welch eases it to the cover fielder.
9.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Slower one, outside off, Nick Welch leaves it again.
9.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Short ball, on off, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
9.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Much fuller, on off, Nick Welch blocks it to cover.
9.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Length ball, on middle and leg, Nick Welch tucks it to the mid-wicket fielder.
9
over
9 | 2 Runs | HH: 25/1
8.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, outside off, Ben Curran blocks it to cover.
8.5
2
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran pushes it through covers for a brace.
8.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Hard length, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
8.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Good length, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.
8.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Oh! On a length, just outside off, shaping away. Ben Curran tries to block it but misses.
8.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran eases it to mid off.
8
over
8 | 1 Runs | HH: 23/1
7.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, On a length, attacking the stumps, Nick Welch eases it to the point fielder.
7.5
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Hard length, targeting the stumps, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for one.
7.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length ball, on off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
7.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Keeps it full, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.
7.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Short ball, on off, Ben Curran ducks under it.
7.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran looks to drive it but gets a bottom edge as the ball goes towards the keeper. Dot.
7
over
7 | 9 Runs | HH: 22/1
6.6
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, on off, Ben Curran eases it to short cover for a quick single.
6.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Too full, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.
6.4
4
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran leans on and slashes it through point for a boundary.
6.3
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, Keeps it full, on off, Nick Welch pushes it towards cover for one.
6.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Nick Welch, On a length, outside off, Nick Welch looks to play at it but misses.
6.1
3
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, on off, Ben Curran drives it through covers for three runs.
6
over
6 | 2 Runs | HH: 13/1
5.6
1
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Keeps it full, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.
5.5
1
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Fuller one, on off, Nick Welch looks to drive it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards backward square leg. They cross.
5.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Length, outside off, shaping away. Nick Welch leaves it alone. This is good bowling from Ziaur Rahman.
5.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Much fuller, on leg, Nick Welch blocks it back.
5.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Back of a length, outside off, Nick Welch looks to block it but misses.
5.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, On a length, outside off, Nick Welch leaves it alone.
5
over
5 | 2 Runs | HH: 11/1
4.6
2
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, On a length, down leg, Ben Curran looks to flick it but the ball clips his pads and rolls fine. They collect two leg byes.
4.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to mid off.
4.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Length, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.
4.3
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
4.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Movement again. Length, on middle, Ben Curran stands tall and blocks it back.
4.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Hard length, outside off, shaping away. Ben Curran looks to block it but gets beaten.
4
over
4 | 4 Runs | HH: 9/1
3.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Back of a length, outside off, Nick Welch shoulders arms at it.
3.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, Much fuller, on off, Nick Welch blocks it to mid on.
3.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Nick Welch, On a length, down leg, Nick Welch looks to flick it but wears it on his pads.
Nick Welch is in at number 3.
3.3
W
Ziaur Rahman to Brian Bennett, OUT! That's a ripper from Ziaur Rahman. On a length, on off, with a hint of movement. Brian Bennett stays back and looks to block it but gets beaten as the ball rattles over the off pole. An early and a much needed breakthrough for Afghanistan.
3.2
4
Ziaur Rahman to Brian Bennett, FOUR! Excellent shot! Back of a length, outside off, Brian Bennett stays in his crease and punches it through covers. The fielder chases but the ball wins the race.
3.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Brian Bennett, On a length, outside off, Brian Bennett leaves it alone.
3
over
3 | 1 Runs | HH: 5/0
2.6
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Oh! On a length, outside off, and it nips in. Ben Curran looks to block it but gets beaten all ends up.
2.5
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Back of a length, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
2.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Too full, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
2.3
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brian Bennett, On a length, on off, Brian Bennett eases it to point for a single.
2.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brian Bennett, Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, shaping away. Brian Bennett looks to punch it but gets beaten.
2.1
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brian Bennett, Slower one, on off, Brian Bennett punches it to cover.
2
over
2 | 0 Runs | HH: 4/0
1.6
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length again, outside off, Ben Curran blocks it to short cover. Maiden.
1.5
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Good length, targeting the stumps, Ben Curran covers his line and blocks it to mid on.
1.4
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Slower one, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
1.3
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran eases it to mid off.
1.2
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Length again, outside off, Ben Curran leaves again.
1.1
0
Ziaur Rahman to Ben Curran, Hard length, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.
Ziaur Rahman to share the attack.
1
over
1 | 4 Runs | HH: 4/0
0.6
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Fuller one, on off, Ben Curran eases it to wide mid off for one.
0.5
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brian Bennett, Length again, around off, Brian Bennett pushes it to cover for one.
0.4
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brian Bennett, Back of a length, outside off, Brian Bennett looks to slap it but misses.
0.3
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off for a quick single.
0.2
0
Yamin Ahmadzai to Ben Curran, Hard length, on middle, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.
0.1
1
Yamin Ahmadzai to Brian Bennett, Lands it down leg, Brian Bennett leaves it alone. The ball gets an awkward bounce as the keeper fails to collect it. The batters collect a bye.
Right then, that is it from the one-off test between these two sides. A comprehensive win for the hosts as they win by an innings and 73 runs! Craig Ervine and his victorious Zimbabwean players smile widely while posing with the one-off Test trophy. We now move on to the T20I series between these two sides. The first game will be played on Wednesday, the 29th of October at 11.30 am GMT. Do join us for the early build-up as well. Until then, take care, and cheers!
Craig Ervine, the skipper of Zimbabwe, says that his team has worked hard throughout the year. He adds that winning the toss was a crucial factor and commends the bowlers, particularly highlighting Ben Curran's composed innings. He mentions individual performances from Ben Curran, Brad Evans, Richard Ngarava, Chivanga, and Blessing Muzarabani, wishing the latter had taken more wickets.
Ben Curran is the Player of the Match for his knock of 121 runs! He says that he is delighted with his performance, especially after overcoming an injury. He adds that the transition from injury to playing against New Zealand was challenging, but this Test match was special, and the win was a bonus. Curran credits his batting coach for helping him work on his plans, which contributed to his success.
Hashmatullah Shahidi, the skipper of Afghanistan, says that Zimbabwe's cricket has improved, and they used their fast bowlers well. He adds that they played poorly, losing wickets in clusters due to a lack of Test experience. He also says Ziaur Rahman's bowling was excellent, and he hopes that he'll continue playing for Afghanistan for a long time.
Presentations coming up...
The Zimbabwean bowlers were simply relentless, and their pace attack proved too hot to handle. The standout performer was Richard Ngarava, who tore through the Afghan order to claim a sensational five-wicket haul in the second innings, an outstanding effort! He was well supported by Blessing Muzarabani, who chipped in with three crucial wickets, while Tanaka Chivanga bagged the remaining two. It was a clinical performance from the home side's bowling unit, ensuring a comprehensive and well-deserved victory.
Facing a monumental task in their second innings, the Afghan batting line-up ultimately crumbled under the pressure. While Ibrahim Zadran showed some resistance, top-scoring with a patient 42, and Bahir Shah added a solid 32, the rest of the team offered little fight. The visitors were bundled out for a meager 159, succumbing to a heavy defeat by an innings and 73 runs. It was a disappointing end to a tough outing for the Afghans.
Evans' devastating five-wicket haul crippled Afghanistan initially, but Sharifi's historic seven-wicket performance prevented Zimbabwe from running away with an even larger total. With the Chevrons holding a commanding 232-run lead, the stage was set for a tense third innings, but the sheer scale of the deficit left Afghanistan with a mountain to climb.
In reply, Zimbabwe began their innings successfully but had to fight for every run against the spirited Afghan attack. Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine fell to the quick bowlers, but the recovery was launched by Sikandar Raza and a patient Ben Curran. Despite a middle-innings grind where key wickets fell right before the breaks, Curran anchored the innings, eventually scoring a superb century. The main drama came from Afghanistan's debutant seamer, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, who tore through the latter half of the order, claiming an incredible seven wickets, the best-ever figures for an Afghan on Test debut, as Zimbabwe were finally dismissed for 359, establishing a significant lead of 232 runs.
A comprehensive win for Zimbabwe! It was a dramatic tug-of-war between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Zimbabwe's seamers, led by a sensational spell from Brad Evans (5/22), skittled Afghanistan for a paltry 127 in the first innings, despite a stabilizing second-wicket partnership. The visitors collapsed rapidly after the drinks break, losing nine wickets for just 50 runs, setting a low target for the Chevrons.
43
over
43 | 0 Runs | HH: 159/10
42.6
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Ziaur Rahman, OUT! BOWLED! Job done. Right on the money from Blessing Muzarabani. He serves in a yorker on middle and off. Rahman tries to dig it out but misses and it hits the stumps. Zimbabwe win by an innings and 73 runs.
42.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ziaur Rahman, Very full and around off, Rahman pushes it to cover.
42.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ziaur Rahman, Bowls a yorker, just outside off. Rahman tries to push it away but misses. An appeal follows for caught behind but turned down.
Ziaur Rahman is the last man in.
42.3
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Khalil Gurbaz, OUT!! KNOCKED OVER! Blessing Muzarabani bowls a fuller delivery, targeting the off pole. Khalil Gurbaz makes room to drive but misses it completely and it crashes the stumps. Afghanistan are one wicket away now.
42.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Khalil Gurbaz, Goes full and keeps it around off, Khalil Gurbaz swings hard but fails to connect.
42.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Khalil Gurbaz, Blessing Muzarabani begins with a bumper on middle, Khalil Gurbaz makes room to pull but misses.
42
over
42 | 4 Runs | HH: 159/8
41.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Too short and on the leg side. Yamin Ahmadzai bends as he tries to pull but misses.
41.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Drops it short and on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to pull but misses it.
41.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, CHANCE! Good length ball, around off, Yamin Ahmadzai punches it straight to Richard Ngarava. It comes at a good height but he fails to hold on.
41.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Short in length and outside off, climbs a bit. Yamin Ahmadzai slashes and misses.
41.2
4
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, FOUR! JUST OVER! Drops it short and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai throws his bat at it and edges it over second slip for a boundary.
41.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Drops it short and on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to hoick it across but misses.
41
over
41 | 12 Runs | HH: 155/8
40.6
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Yamin Ahmadzai, Leg bye! A low full toss on the pads, Yamin Ahmadzai misses his flick and it rolls to square leg for a leg bye.
40.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Yamin Ahmadzai, Short and down leg, Yamin Ahmadzai doesn't even move.
40.4
6
Tanaka Chivanga to Yamin Ahmadzai, SIX! Where has this come from? In the slot, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai thumps it down to long on and it goes all the way.
40.3
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Khalil Gurbaz, A length ball, wide of off. Khalil Gurbaz slaps it through cover for a single.
40.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Khalil Gurbaz, Shorter and down the leg side, Khalil Gurbaz looks to pull but misses.
40.1
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Khalil Gurbaz, FOUR! Superb shot! Tanaka Chivanga bowls it very full and on leg, Khalil Gurbaz makes room and thumps it down the ground for a boundary.
40
over
40 | 2 Runs | HH: 143/8
39.6
1
Richard Ngarava to Khalil Gurbaz, This is full and outside off, Khalil Gurbaz punches it to mid off for a single.
39.5
W
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Richard Ngarava picks up a five-fer! Short in length and outside off, comes with an angle and shoots a bit. Sharafuddin Ashraf punches away from his body and edges it to second slip. A sharp catch by Craig Ervine does the job.
39.4
1
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, A length ball, around off, Yamin Ahmadzai punches it to the right of cover for a single.
39.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Short in length and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai hops and taps it to cover.
39.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, A bumper around off, Yamin Ahmadzai defends on the up to cover.
39.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Slants in a good length ball on off, defended out.
39
over
39 | 1 Runs | HH: 141/7
38.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Very full and on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf digs it out to mid on.
38.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Short in length and on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf blocks well.
38.4
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Yamin Ahmadzai, Touch fuller and around off, Yamin Ahmadzai nudges it to square leg for a single.
38.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Yamin Ahmadzai, Drops it short and on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai offers no shot.
38.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Yamin Ahmadzai, Good length delivery on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai hangs back and blocks.
38.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Yamin Ahmadzai, Very full and outside off. Yamin Ahmadzai miscues his push on the leg side.
38
over
38 | 5 Runs | HH: 140/7
37.6
4
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, FOUR! Well played! Drops it short and on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.
37.5
1
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Slants in a length ball on the pads, Yamin Ahmadzai fends it past short leg for one.
37.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Yamin Ahmadzai, Length ball on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks.
Yamin Ahmadzai comes to the middle.
37.3
W
Richard Ngarava to Ismat Alam, OUT! TAKEN! The angle was troubling Alam for quite a while. Short in length and just outside off, shaping in. Alam looks to punch but gets a thick outside edge to the keeper. Tafadzwa Tsiga dives to his right side, gets his hand out and holds onto it.
37.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ismat Alam, Touch fuller and around off, defended to cover.
37.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Ismat Alam, An in-angler, length ball on middle, Ismat Alam hangs back and looks to flick but misses and wears it on the pads.
37
over
37 | 3 Runs | HH: 135/6
36.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Too short and too wide, Sharafuddin Ashraf shoulders arms to it.
36.6
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, No ball! Sharafuddin Ashraf finds the man in deep but luckily for him, Tanaka Chivanga has overstepped. A bumper on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf pulls but gets a top edge to deep square leg where the catch is taken. A no ball is called.
36.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Short in length and around off, shoots up. Sharafuddin Ashraf rocks back to defend but misses.
36.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Touch fuller and around off, defended out.
36.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Overpitched, outside off. Sharafuddin Ashraf drives it square but finds the man at point.
36.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Length ball on middle, blocked out.
36.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Wide! Bangs it short and around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf ducks under it.
36.1
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Length and outside off, Ismat Alam punches it to cover where the fielder misfields and allows a run.
36
over
36 | 4 Runs | HH: 132/6
35.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Too full and angling on off, blocked out.
35.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Length ball, outside off, Sharafuddin Ashraf leans again to push but misses it.
35.4
4
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, FOUR! First boundary of the session. Richard Ngarava bowls it full and outside off. Sharafuddin Ashraf leans into his drive and hits it through covers for a boundary.
35.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Angles in a length ball on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf keeps it out on the leg side.
35.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Shorter and wide of off. Sharafuddin Ashraf shoulders arms to it.
35.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Hard length delivery around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf solidly defends on the deck.
35
over
35 | 1 Runs | HH: 128/6
34.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Drops it short and outside off, Ismat Alam offers no shot.
34.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Short in length and around off, nips in. Ismat Alam chops it to the man at point.
34.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, On a length and wide of off. Ismat Alam shoulders arms to it.
34.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Fuller delivery, around off, swinging in. Ismat Alam punches it to cover.
34.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Sharafuddin Ashraf, Starts with an inswinger, on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf flicks it to deep square leg for a single.
Back for the second session. Sharafuddin Ashraf joins Afsar Zazai in the middle. Tanaka Chivanga to finish his over.
...DAY 3, SESSION 2...
Under overcast conditions, the home team didn't miss out on a chance given to bowl with some serious pace and their prime bowlers, Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, troubled the visitors dearly. Richard Ngarava was superb in the morning and was helped by movement in the air, scalping three wickets. Blessing Muzarabani troubled with his bounce as well, while Tanaka Chivanga showed good consistency in his bowling to end the session with two wickets. Afghanistan once again lacked character against testing conditions. Afghanistan have a long way to go. Who will they rely on to bail them out of this deep hole? Time will tell. Stay tuned for the second session.
Well, that wicket of Afsar Zazai has put more pressure on Afghanistan as he was the last known reliable batter out there. Afghanistan trail by 105 runs as we head into the break. Still, a long way away and with an inexperienced lower-middle order, Zimbabwe will be itching to get out and finish the job today itself.
34.1
W
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, OUT! TAKEN! Final over before the break and Afsar Zazai holes out. Touch fuller and gives width outside off, angled away. Afsar Zazai leans and punches on the up, straight to Brad Evans at point. A simple catch and even Tanaka Chivanga seems a bit surprise with the shot. LUNCH.
34
over
34 | 4 Runs | HH: 127/5
33.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Shorter and outside off, Ismat Alam leaves.
33.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Short of a good length and close to the off pole, angled away. Ismat Alam looks to push with hard hands and misses.
33.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Length delivery, outside off, Ismat Alam leans and defends.
33.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, A bumper on middle, Ismat Alam ducks under it.
33.2
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, FOUR! Punished! Any width on offer, this is well outside off. Ismat Alam gets tall and punches it past cover for a boundary.
33.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Blessing Muzarabani targets the stumps as he bowls on middle, it nips in. Ismat Alam tries to bunt it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.
33
over
33 | 5 Runs | HH: 123/5
32.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, A slower length delivery around off, blocked out.
32.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, A good short delivery around off. Afsar Zazai sits under it.
32.4
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Bye! Bowls a bouncer and swings it down leg. The keeper gets a big hand on it and it rolls to fine leg for a bye.
32.3
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, FOUR! Stylish shot! Close to the off pole, on a length. Ismat Alam punches it off the back foot through covers for a boundary.
32.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Length ball, outside off, Ismat Alam plays it to cover.
32.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Drops it short and wide of off. Ismat Alam slashes his blade and misses.
32
over
32 | 5 Runs | HH: 118/5
31.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Edged but wide! Blessing Muzarabani bowls on a nagging length and outside off. Ismat Alam looks to punch but gets a thick outside edge to the right of third slip. He gets a hand on it but fails to hold on.
31.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Shorter and on middle, Afsar Zazai defends in front of point and stutters for a single. The fielder picks and throws past the keeper's end, past the man at short leg and they take a run.
31.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Troubles with a short one again, Afsar Zazai sits under it.
31.3
3
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Good running once again. Fuller delivery, outside off, Ismat Alam strokes it to extra cover, slower outfield and they take three runs.
31.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Length ball, outside off, Ismat Alam taps it to cover.
31.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Shorter and on middle, Ismat Alam ducks under it.
31
over
31 | 4 Runs | HH: 113/5
30.6
3
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Overpitched and outside off, Ismat Alam leans and crunches it through covers for three runs.
30.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ismat Alam, Tad fuller delivery and around off, defended out.
30.4
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, Slanting on the pads, Afsar Zazai tucks it to square leg for a single.
30.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, Tad fuller and outside off, punched to cover.
30.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, On a length and outside off, Afsar Zazai knocks it to cover.
30.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, On a length and wide of off, Afsar Zazai lets it go.
30
over
30 | 5 Runs | HH: 109/5
29.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Short in length and wide of off. Ismat Alam shuffles way across and keeps it out on the leg side.
29.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ismat Alam, Ripper! A proper bumper, angling on middle. Ismat Alam bends a bit to leave but instead gloves it on the off side.
Ismat Alam walks in next.
29.4
W
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, OUT! GONE! Blessing Muzarabani gets his wicket. Continues with the short ball and bowls it on middle, tight from him. Shah hops to fend it away but gloves it to short leg where Ben Curran takes an easy catch.
29.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Angling on the pads, Afsar Zazai clips it to fine leg for a single.
29.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Length and on middle, blocked out.
29.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, FOUR! MORE RUNS! Blessing Muzarabani bowls slightly short and outside off. Afsar Zazai hits it over cover and in the gap for a boundary.
29
over
29 | 1 Runs | HH: 104/4
28.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, Pushes it well outside off, untroubling line and Shah leaves.
28.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, Bangs it short and around off, Shah gets down and sways from it.
28.4
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, On a length and on middle, turned to square leg for a single.
28.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, Drops it short and just outside off, Afsar Zazai hops and leaves it alone.
28.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, Tanaka Chivanga keeps it outside off again, Afsar Zazai lets it go.
28.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Afsar Zazai, Well outside off, left alone.
28
over
28 | 6 Runs | HH: 103/4
27.6
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Good length delivery, outside off, Shah punches it through mid off, in the gap for a couple of runs.
27.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Bumper on middle. Shah sits under it.
27.4
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, FOUR! 100 up in style. Boundaries flowing for Afghanistan! Too wide once again, length. Shah smashes it through point for a boundary.
27.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Too short and too wide, Shah has nothing to do with it.
27.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Short in length and on middle and leg. Shah hops and fends it to short leg where the fielder picks up on a bounce.
27.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Bangs it short and on leg, Shah ducks under it.
27
over
27 | 15 Runs | HH: 97/4
26.6
1
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Length ball, on the pads, Shah tucks it to square leg for a single.
26.5
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, A length delivery, around off, punched back to Evans.
26.4
2
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Touch fuller and on the pads, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.
26.3
4
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, FOUR! Hat trick of boundaries! This is good batting. Evans gives width again, bowls it on a length. Shah crunches it through covers for a boundary.
26.2
4
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, FOUR! Well played! Too full and straight on middle, Shah drives it down the ground to mid on and it rolls to the fence.
26.1
4
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, FOUR! CUT AWAY! Drops it short with some width. Shah cuts it uppishly over point and it races away.
26
over
26 | 4 Runs | HH: 82/4
25.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Beaten again! Blessing Muzarabani bowls into the surface, outside off and nips away. Afsar Zazai looks to push at it but misses.
25.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, A bumper on middle, Afsar Zazai ducks under it.
25.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Back of a length and on off, defended to cover.
25.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Length ball, close to the off pole. Shah strokes it to cover for a single.
25.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, CLOSE! Shorter and outside off, shaping away. Shah throws his bat at it but fails to connect.
25.1
3
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Short of a good length and wide of off, Afsar Zazai punches it sweetly through covers. It slows down in the deep and they take three runs.
25
over
25 | 1 Runs | HH: 78/4
24.6
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Slightly short and on middle, Shah pulls hard but straight to square leg.
24.5
1
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, Keeps it short and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.
24.4
0
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, A well-directed short ball, close to the helmet. Afsar Zazai looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the side of the helmet. A concussion protocol is going on. Afsar Zazai seems fine and is ready to continue.
24.3
0
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, Tad fuller and around off, Afsar Zazai defends it to cover.
24.2
0
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, This is touch fuller and on middle, played back to the bowler.
24.1
0
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, Shorter and outside off, Afsar Zazai shoulders arms to it.
24
over
24 | 5 Runs | HH: 77/4
23.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Length ball, outside off, punched to cover.
23.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Bangs it short and around off, Shah uncomfortably tries to fend it away but it lobs to short leg. The fielder was stationed a bit wide.
A halt in play as Bahir Shah looks in pain and needs some treatment. The physio is out.
23.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Bahir Shah, Beaten for pace! Drops it short and slanting onto the body. Shah drops his bat to evade but takes one on the body.
23.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Length ball on middle, nudged to square leg for a single.
23.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, Sharp short delivery, around off, climbs onto the batter. Afsar Zazai looks to defend but misses.
23.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Afsar Zazai, FOUR! What was that! Begins with a shorter delivery, outside off. Afsar Zazai ducks but hangs his bat out, the ball hits and balloons to fine leg for a boundary.
23
over
23 | 6 Runs | HH: 72/4
22.6
4
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, FOUR! Solid shot! Gives width outside off, Shah punches with hard hands and through covers, past the fielder for four runs.
22.5
1
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, Bye! A bumper on middle, Afsar Zazai ducks under it. The keeper fails to pick up cleanly and they sneak in a bye.
22.4
0
Brad Evans to Afsar Zazai, Length ball, outside off, Afsar Zazai punches it to cover.
22.3
1
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Short in length and on the hips, Shah turns it to square leg for asingle.
22.2
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Slanting on the pads, Shah keeps it out on the leg side.
22.1
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, On a good length and around off, Shah hangs back and defends.
22
over
22 | 2 Runs | HH: 66/4
21.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Afsar Zazai, Pushes it full and around off, Afsar Zazai knocks it to covers and runs across. Shah denies and is against the call.
21.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Afsar Zazai, Hard length delivery, attacking the stumps, this is blocked out.
21.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Afsar Zazai, Angling on the pads, Afsar Zazai tickles it to short fine leg.
21.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Afsar Zazai, Drops it short and around off, angling in. Afsar Zazai hops and blocks.
21.2
1
Richard Ngarava to Bahir Shah, Angles in a length ball on middle, Shah turns it to square leg for a single.
21.1
1
Richard Ngarava to Afsar Zazai, Short in length and around off. Afsar Zazai taps it in front of cover and calls for a quick single.
21
over
21 | 4 Runs | HH: 64/4
20.6
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Touch fuller and on middle and leg, Shah eases it to mid on.
20.5
4
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, FOUR! Shah is off the mark! Overpitched and outside off, Shah leans and drives it through covers and it races to the fence.
20.4
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Good length delivery, around off, Shah defends it to the man at gully.
20.3
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Bangs it short and on middle, Shah ducks under it.
20.2
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Swings away a fuller delivery, around off. Shah solidly blocks it out.
20.1
0
Brad Evans to Bahir Shah, Serves a fuller delivery on middle, Shah plays it back to the bowler.
20
over
20 | 0 Runs | HH: 60/4
19.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Afsar Zazai, Good length wide of off, Afsar Zazai pokes at it but gets beaten.
Afsar Zazai walks out next.
19.5
W
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Good length, wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi presses in front and plays with firm hands at it, looking to punch this to cover for nothing. The ball shapes a hint away from the batter and that was enough to catch the outside edge of Hashmatullah Shahidi's with the ball going straight to Craig Ervine at second slip. Ervine makes no mistake and pouches this one.
19.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length on middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi tucks this to short mid-wicket for no run.
19.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Short-pitched, down the leg. Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it all alone.
19.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Bumper, well-directed, on middle and leg. Hashmatullah Shahidi sits under it.
19.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches this towards backward point fielder for no run.
19
over
19 | 1 Runs | HH: 60/3
18.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Bahir Shah, Good length on off, Bahir Shah blocks this out.
18.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Tanaka bends his back and bowls a short one, on middle and off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pulls this towards deep square leg for one.
18.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi shoulders his arms at it.
18.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans ahead and blocks but gets an outside edge that falls short of Craig Ervine at second slip.
18.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi thumps this to cover for no run.
18.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Good length wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it all alone.
Bahir Shah walks out next.
18
over
18 | 4 Runs | HH: 59/3
17.6
W
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Richard Ngarava comes round the wicket, bowls a length delivery going down the leg, Ibrahim Zadran steps inside and looks to flick this around the fine leg region but gets a faint edge onto it and Tafadzwa Tsiga does well to dive low to his left and pouch this one. Tsiga gathers this just inches above the ground and the ploy to come round the wicket to Zadran and cramp him for any sort of room works for Richard Ngarava and Zimbabwe.
17.5
1
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, A touch too full, down the leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks this through the square leg region for one.
17.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Full toss on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes this to mid off for no run.
17.3
1
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Bumper, wide of off, Ibrahim Zadran fends this to deep mid-wicket and runs one.
17.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length on middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this firmly to mid on for no run.
17.1
2
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.
17
over
17 | 8 Runs | HH: 55/2
16.6
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays back and pulls it magnificently through square leg for a boundary.
16.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it back.
16.4
3
Tanaka Chivanga to Ibrahim Zadran, Too full, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it through covers for three runs. 50 comes up for Afghanistan!
16.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ibrahim Zadran, Short, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it alone.
16.2
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Back of a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it to cover for one.
16.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it to mid off.
16
over
16 | 4 Runs | HH: 47/2
15.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it but misses.
15.5
4
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Streaky! On a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it but gets a slight edge. The ball goes through short third for a boundary.
15.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length, down leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick it but misses.
15.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Much fuller, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to cover.
15.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Too full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid off.
15.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to mid off.
15
over
15 | 0 Runs | HH: 43/2
14.6
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it to mid off.
14.5
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, On a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.
14.4
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Hashmatullah Shahidi, Short, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.
Hashmatullah Shahidi walks in.
14.3
W
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Tanaka Chivanga strikes. Short ball does the trick. Short, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swivels and looks to pull it but gets a slight edge. Tafadzwa Tsiga behind the sticks does the rest.
14.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid off.
14.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover.
14
over
14 | 3 Runs | HH: 43/1
13.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to cover.
13.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it but misses.
13.4
2
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Much fuller, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it through square leg for a brace.
13.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.
13.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.
13.1
1
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to square leg for one.
Richard Ngarava to bowl from the other end.
13
over
13 | 6 Runs | HH: 40/1
12.6
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid off.
12.5
1
Tanaka Chivanga to Ibrahim Zadran, Length, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid off.
12.4
4
Tanaka Chivanga to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Top shot! Keeps it full, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans on and drives it magnificently through mid off for a boundary.
12.3
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ibrahim Zadran, Much fuller, on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it back again.
12.2
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ibrahim Zadran, Length again, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back again.
12.1
0
Tanaka Chivanga to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.
All set for Day 3's play to begin. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will resume their innings. Tanaka Chivanga will start with the ball. Let's play...
With the match delicately poised, Day 3 promises high drama and decisive moments. Can Afghanistan's batters stand up to the challenge and build a substantial lead, or will the Zimbabwean bowlers run through the remaining lineup? We shall find out soon. Stay tuned...
For Zimbabwe, the plan will be straightforward. Take the remaining nine wickets quickly. Their bowlers, especially the impressive Richard Ngarava, will be hunting for early breakthroughs to expose the middle order. The pitch still appears good for batting, but the persistent threat of the moving ball remains.
Afghanistan's second innings started on a nervous note as they lost opener Abdul Malik early. However, the unbeaten pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to negotiate the difficult final hour, taking the score to 34/1 before bad light brought an early close. They still trail Zimbabwe by 198 runs, meaning they have a monumental task ahead of them to ensure their team is not staring down the barrel of a big defeat. The onus is on these two batters and the rest of the lineup to bat for long periods today and reduce the deficit.
Welcome back for Day 3 of the Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, often called the 'moving day'! The stage is set for a pivotal day of cricket after two fascinating days of play. Yesterday, Zimbabwe built a commanding lead thanks to a brilliant century from opener Ben Curran (121) and a quick-fire fifty from Sikandar Raza (65), finishing their first innings at 359. The hero with the ball for Afghanistan was debutant Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, whose exceptional spell of 7/97 set a new record for an Afghan player in their first Test.
... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...
Still the game is pretty open, but we feel Zimbabwe are a touch ahead. Afghanistan need a big Day 3 with the bat. The top order needs to step up. Can Afghanistan put in a better performance with the bat or will we see Zimbabwe pacers troubling them once again? Join us on Day 3 at 8 am GMT and earlier for the build up. Till then, cheers!
The second session was a hard grind for both sides, with Zimbabwe pushing their total past 300 runs to lead by 175, but Afghanistan struck key blows right before the break. The home team played cautiously against the spinning attack, but Sharafuddin Ashraf eventually broke the deadlock by removing the set Sikandar Raza for 65. Ben Curran and Tafadzwa Tsiga then partnered up, focusing primarily on defense to survive the session. After a near-miss with a no-ball, Ismat Alam returned strongly in the final over of the session to trap Ben Curran lbw, giving Afghanistan a crucial wicket right on the stroke of tea.
Earlier, Zimbabwe had a turbulent but ultimately successful first session of Day 2, finishing at 214 for four and building an 87-run lead. Afghanistan fought hard early on, with Ziaur Rahman claiming the key wicket of Brendan Taylor. The visitors found more joy when Ismat Alam celebrated his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Craig Ervine. However, the recovery effort was launched by Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran, who steadied the innings with their patient 49 runs.
Game stopped due to : Bad Light
The light meter is out and the umpire takes the reading. It's not good enough for the spinners as well and that will be STUMPS. So, Afghanistan still trail by 198 runs at the end of the day's play with a wicket short. The Zimbabwe bowlers had a pretty good outing, troubling the batters and beating the edges numerous times in the process.
12
over
12 | 1 Runs | HH: 34/1
11.6
0
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Back of a length and on off, defended once again.
11.5
0
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Length ball, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it on the off side.
11.4
0
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it out.
11.3
0
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Pushes it full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans and pushes it to cover.
11.2
0
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, This is full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans and blocks it out.
11.1
1
Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, On a length and shaping on middle and leg, Zadran nudges it to square leg for a single.
11
over
11 | 3 Runs | HH: 33/1
10.6
0
Sikandar Raza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Tossed up, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz turns it to mid-wicket.
10.5
0
Sikandar Raza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Very full and on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz plays it back to the bowler.
10.4
0
Sikandar Raza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Quicker and around off, punched to mid off.
10.3
2
Sikandar Raza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Flat and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it through point for a couple of runs.
10.2
0
Sikandar Raza to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Floated fuller and around off, blocked well.
10.1
1
Sikandar Raza to Ibrahim Zadran, Tossed up on middle, Zadran punches it to mid on for a single.
The light-meter is out. The umpire deems with the light, only spinners are allowed. So, Sikandar Raza will bowl now.
10
over
10 | 2 Runs | HH: 30/1
9.6
0
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Brad Evans keeps it short, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it.
9.5
1
Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Drops it short and on middle and leg, Zadran pulls it to fine leg for a single.
9.4
0
Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length delivery on middle, Zadran solidly defends it out.
9.3
0
Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Too short and climbs around off, Zadran leaves it alone.
9.2
0
Brad Evans to Ibrahim Zadran, Length ball, outside off, Zadran leans to punch but gets an inside edge onto the pads.
9.1
1
Brad Evans to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a length and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet and turns it to square leg for a single.
9
over
9 | 1 Runs | HH: 28/1
8.6
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Good length and on middle,nudged to square leg for a single.
8.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Fuller delivery, outside off, pushed to cover.
8.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Well outside off, shorter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz offers no shot.
8.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Close to the stumps again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steps across and defends.
8.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, LOVELY! Good length delivery, close to the off pole, comes with the angle and whizzes past Rahmanullah Gurbaz's defensive edge.
8.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shorter and outside off, shaping away, it is leftalone.
8
over
8 | 4 Runs | HH: 27/1
7.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Back of a length and on middle, Zadran hangs back and defends it well.
7.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Too short and on middle, Zadran shoulders arms to it.
7.4
1
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Keeps it short, bowls it on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it to square leg for one more.
7.3
1
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Shorter and on the hips. Zadran tucks it on the leg side and rotates the strike.
7.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Spills it full and angling down the leg side. Zadran looks to clip but misses it.
7.1
2
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length and outside off, Zadran punches it to the left of cover for a couple of runs.
7
over
7 | 3 Runs | HH: 23/1
6.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Short of a good length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tamely pushes at it and gets beaten.
6.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Shorter and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.
6.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Length delivery, around the fourth stump line. Zadran defends it to cover.
6.3
2
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Short in length and on the hips.Zadran bunts it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
6.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Very full and close to the stumps. Zadran watchfully defends.
6.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Good length delivery around middle. Zadran gets inside the line and defends.
6
over
6 | 4 Runs | HH: 20/1
5.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and around off, defended to cover.
5.5
3
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Connects this time. Richard Ngarava bowls in a similar channel, Zadran punches it through covers. The fielder chases and stops it near the fence to save a run.
5.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Gives width outside off, tad shorter. Zadran looks to punch but misses.
5.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Swings back in on a length and on middle, kept out on the leg side.
5.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Touch fuller and straight onto the stumps. Zadran solidly blocks it.
5.1
1
Richard Ngarava to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Too full and on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it to square leg for a single.
5
over
5 | 6 Runs | HH: 16/1
4.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Length ball on middle, Zadran defends to end the over.
4.5
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Shaping on the pads, clipped to deep square leg for a single.
4.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Serves it into the surface, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lets it go.
4.3
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Drops it short and on middle, Zadran pulls it to fine leg for a single.
4.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Attacks the stumps with a fuller ball, it is played back to the bowler.
4.1
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Good shot! Slightly short and on middle and off. Zadran gets tall and punches it firmly through covers for a boundary.
Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes in next.
4
over
4 | 0 Runs | HH: 10/1
3.6
W
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani get the first wicket. Drops it short and on middle and leg, Abdul Malik pulls it flat and uppishly behind square on the leg side where Blessing Muzarabani takes it. An ordinary shot and Abdul Malik has to go.
3.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Richard Ngarava creates an angle as he bowls it outside off, Abdul Malik plants his front foot to defend but misses it.
3.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Short of a good length and around off, Abdul Malik blocks.
3.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Length ball on top of off. Abdul Malik knocks it to cover.
3.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Well outside off, angled across, Abdul Malik lets it go.
3.1
0
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, Touch fuller and around off, Abdul Malik punches it to mid off.
3
over
3 | 5 Runs | HH: 10/0
2.6
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Well played! Fractionally short and around off, Zadran pulls with control to mid-wicket and it races to the fence.
2.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, On a nagging length and around off, it lands and shapes away. Zadran looks to push it but misses.
2.4
1
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Short of a length and outside off, Abdul Malik pulls it a bit straighter and to mid on. The fielder dives to his left and gets a hand on it. A run.
2.3
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Agles in a length ball on middle, defended out.
2.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Short in length and just outside off, Abdul Malik throws his bat at it but misses.
2.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Abdul Malik, Short and wide of off, shapes away, it is left alone.
2
over
2 | 1 Runs | HH: 5/0
1.6
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Keeps it close to the off pole, around off, Zadran blocks it out.
1.5
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Around off on a length. Zadran leans and punches but finds mid off.
1.4
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, An inswinger, on a length and on middle, Zadran defends on the leg side.
1.3
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Touch fuller and on middle and leg, Zadran punches it to mid-wicket.
1.2
0
Richard Ngarava to Ibrahim Zadran, Slightly short and around off, Zadran hops and defends it out.
1.1
1
Richard Ngarava to Abdul Malik, This is full and around off, Abdul Malik punches it to cover for a single. He is off the mark.
Richard Ngarava to bowl from the other end.
1
over
1 | 4 Runs | HH: 4/0
0.6
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, This is on a length and on middle, Zadran defends well.
0.5
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, CHANCE! Blessing Muzarabani bangs it short and around off, Zadran looks to defend on the up but gloves it to point. Well, well short of the fielder there.
0.4
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Hard length delivery, around off, Zadran hangs back and defends.
0.3
4
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, FOUR! Pulled away! Off the mark in style. Shorter and on middle and leg, Zadran, with his good stature, easily pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
0.2
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, A good length delivery, close to the off pole. Zadran solidly defends it on the deck.
0.1
0
Blessing Muzarabani to Ibrahim Zadran, Short of a length and outside off, Zadran half-heartedly punches it to the man at gully.
Zimbabwe
Brian Bennett
Bat/Bow
Ben Curran
Bat/Bow
Nick Welch
Bat/Bow
Brendan Taylor
Bat/Bow
Craig Ervine
CAP/Bat/Bow
Sikandar Raza
Bat/Bow
Tafadzwa Tsiga
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Brad Evans
Bat/Bow
Richard Ngarava
Bat/Bow
Blessing Muzarabani
Bat/Bow
Tanaka Chivanga
Bat/Bow
Afghanistan
Ibrahim Zadran
Bat/Bow
Abdul Malik
Bat/Bow
Hashmatullah Shahidi
CAP/Bat/Bow
Rahmanullah Gurbaz
Bat/Bow
Bahir Shah
Bat/Bow
Afsar Zazai
KEEPER/Bat/Bow
Ismat Alam
Bat/Bow
Sharafuddin Ashraf
Bat/Bow
Khalil Gurbaz
Bat/Bow
Yamin Ahmadzai
Bat/Bow
Ziaur Rahman
Bat/Bow
Match Details
SeriesAfghanistan in Zimbabwe, Only Test, 2025VenueHarare Sports Club, HarareDate 20 Oct 2025 - 22 Oct 2025Toss ZIM, elected to field firstUmpiresAdrian Holdstock (SA), Nitin Menon (IND) and Forster Mutizwa (ZIM)Match Result Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs Player Of The Match Ben Curran
Match Result Update: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, One-off Test - Afghanistan in Zimbabwe, Only Test, 2025
The One-off Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club, Harare ended with a win for Zimbabwe, who bowled out Afghanistan for 159 while defending a target of , clinching a an innings and 73 runs victory.
With the ball, Richard Ngarava starred with figures of 5/37, supported by Blessing Muzarabani who took 3 wickets to dismantle the chase.
Match Summary:
Afghanistan 1st Innings: 127
Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 359
Afghanistan 2nd Innings: 159
Stay tuned for real-time commentary, ball-by-ball updates, and full scorecard details. Catch all the action from the Afghanistan in Zimbabwe, Only Test, 2025, including milestones, fall of wickets, and session-wise summaries - only on Indian Express Live Cricket Score Page.