Zimbabwe’s batting fireworks lead to record high against Afghanistan on Day 2 of Christmas Day Test

The first test between Zimbabwe i Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, witnessed a remarkable display of batting supremacy by the hosts. Zimbabwe posted an impressive total of 586 in their first innings, marking their highest total in Test cricket. The innings featured brilliant centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine i Brian Bennetteach showing skill and temperament. For stumps on Day 2, Afghanistan stood precariously at 95/2, behind by 491 runs with Rahmat Shah undefeated at 49.

Zimbabwe’s highest total – a batting masterclass

Zimbabwe’s innings was built on strong partnerships and brilliant individual performances. Williams led the charge with a majestic 154, crafted from 174 deliveries. His innings, laced with ten boundaries and three sixes, was a masterclass in shot selection and resilience. Williams and Ervine added 150 runs for the fifth wicket, a stand that swung the momentum heavily in Zimbabwe’s favour. Ervine’s mammoth 104, his tenth Test century, came off 176 balls and was a testament to his experience and composure.

Bennett further cemented Zimbabwe’s dominance with an aggressive 110 not out, showing style and confidence. His knock, with five fours and four sixes, provided the perfect flourish to Zimbabwe’s innings. Associations flourished everywhere, with contributions from Ben Curran (68) i We wish you good health (46) ensuring no respite for the Afghan bowlers. The monumental total of 586 is now a historic achievement in Zimbabwe’s Test history.

Allah Ghazanfar’s promising debut despite Afghanistan’s bowling struggles

Afghanistan’s bowlers had a tough outing as Zimbabwe dictated terms with ease. Between the bowling, debutant Allah Ghazanfar he excelled, claiming 3/127 in 30.2 overs. Despite the steep learning curve of Test cricket, Ghazanfar showed promise with his variations and control. Zia-ur-Rehman (2/101) i Naveed Zadran (2/109) chipped in with wickets but lacked the consistency to trouble the Zimbabwean batsmen. Azmatullah Omarzai i zahir khan managed a wicket each but was largely ineffective against a determined Zimbabwean line-up.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan is not playing the Boxing Day Test

Afghanistan’s response: a slow and cautious start

Faced with a huge deficit, Afghanistan’s response started on a shaky note, conceding the opening goal Sediqullah Atal early for only 3 runs. Abdul Malik contributed a patient 23 before falling Blessing of Muzarabanidisciplined bowling. Rahmat, however, stood his ground, compiling 49 off 95 well-taken balls. His innings, with five boundaries and a six, was the only bright spot for Afghanistan on day two.

captain Hashmatullah Shahidi backed him up with an unbeaten 16, and the pair will need to anchor more innings to avoid the follow-on. As the second day ended, the hosts maintained a commanding position, with Afghanistan still trailing by 491 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, have already made early inroads into the Afghan line-up, signaling a long and challenging road ahead for the visitors.

Zimbabwe claimed two important wickets before the close of play on Day 2 of the first Test against Afghanistan after posting their highest Test score of 586. Afghanistan were bowled out by 491 runs at stumps.

Play on the third day is scheduled to begin at 9:40 a.m#ZIMvAFG… pic.twitter.com/4hmRjvgRKC

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 27, 2024

READ also: AUS vs IND: Sachin Tendulkar becomes honorary member of Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC)