ZIM vs. AFG [WATCH]: Sikandar Raza masterfully destroys the Afghan batting with a magnificent three-wicket haul on the first day of the second Test
Sikandar Raza had a very special return to the Zimbabwe Test team with an outstanding performance with the ball on the first day of the second and final Test against Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club.
Sikandar Raza’s masterclass proved too much for the Afghan batsmen
Sikandar had a stellar performance as he shone during the 1st innings in Afghanistan. The 38-year-old off-spinner managed to get rid of the in-form Rahmat Shah who was bowled while trying to scoop on the last delivery of the 30th over. Critically, Shah played a flawless knock of 234 runs in the previous Test against Zimbabwe.
Sikandar then dropped out Ismat Alam on a traditional off-spin pitch right in the middle of the off-stump, completely beating the lower-order Afghan batsman. Alam returned to the pavilion on a duck facing just 2 deliveries. Sikandar’s next target was a rapper Yamin Ahmadzai as the ball on the outside was too much for the Afghanistan no. 10. Sikandar’s 3 wickets were instrumental in a determined effort by the Zimbabwean bowlers to bowl out the Afghans for 157 runs in just 44.3 overs on the first day of the match.
Also [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman clears Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of the first Test
Here is the video:
A returnee on a mission! 💪
Playing his first Test in 4 years, Sikandar Raza took 3 crucial wickets as Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan for just 157 in the first innings! 👏#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/blNGQH25tm
— FanCode (@FanCode) January 2, 2025
The bowlers dominate as Zimbabwe lag behind Afghanistan
The second Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo has been a ball game so far. Afghanistan, batting first, could muster only 157 runs, with Rashid Khan‘s brisk 25 standing out. The bowlers of Zimbabwe, led by Sikandar and Newman Nyamhurithey took three wickets each, taking advantage of the favorable conditions. In reply, Zimbabwe faltered early, slipping to 41/4 by the first session on Day 2, trailing by 116 runs. Fareed Ahmad and Ahmadzai they impressed on their Test debuts, taking two wickets each. The first day was marred by wet conditions, leading to a cautious start. With both teams fighting for runs, this low-scoring encounter promises to be an exciting contest as the game progresses. The onus is now on Zimbabwe’s middle order to even out the innings and avoid conceding a sizeable first innings lead.
Also read: ZIM vs AFG 2nd Test: Bulawayo weather forecast for all 5 days | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024-25
