Sikandar Raza leads Zimbabwe charge as Afghanistan collapse for 157 on day one of second Test

between second test Zimbabwe and Afghanistan Zimbabwe dominated the bowling in the match in Bulawayo. After opting to field first, Zimbabwe's bowlers took advantage of the conditions perfectly to bowl out Afghanistan for a sub-par 157 on day one. 25 points. Zimbabwe's opener then made it safely through a tricky final three innings, Reached 6/0 at stumps and trailed by 151 runs.

Sikandar Raza-led Zimbabwe bowlers dominate Afghanistan

Zimbabwe's bowling attack showed a masterclass in discipline and execution. Richard Ngarawa His figures of 1/18 in 12 overs were unplayable and his accuracy suffocated the Afghan batsmen. Blessings to Muzarabani Provides key breakout, claims 2/56, including key scalp Shahidullah. Sikandar Raza's Counter-Spin (3/30) is the most compelling, dismantling Afghanistan's middle order with twists and subtle changes. Newman Nyahuri (3/42) did well in the late stages, cleaning up the tail expertly. A collective effort restricted Afghanistan to 157 while Zimbabwe's bowlers worked in unison to take advantage of their opponents' lapses in concentration.

Afghanistan's batting woes continue

The situation in Afghanistan is marred by the inability to forge meaningful partnerships. opening remarks Abdul Malik (17) and Riaz Hassan (12) starts but cannot convert them, while Rahmat Shah (19) and the captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (13) Fall into soft dismissal. Afsar Zazai Shahidullah tried to stabilize the game with short shots, but they could not withstand Zimbabwe's fierce attack. Rashid KhanA counterattack of 25 off 20 balls provided a late spark but was not enough to save the innings. Frequent collapses and lack of application compounded Afghanistan's woes and they were bowled out for just 44.3 overs, squandering any chance of a competitive total.

Also Read: ZIM vs AFG, 2nd Test: Bulawayo 5-Day Weather Forecast | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2024-25

Zimbabwe responds with steady start

Zimbabwe’s first game, gambi the joy lord (4 not out) and Ben Curran (1 not out), showed composure in the dim lights and ensured there were no early setbacks in their replies. Faced with three tentative deliveries from Afghanistan's bowlers, who carefully negotiated the delivery with Rashid, Farid Ahmed and Yameen Ahmed Zai. Despite the slow pace of runs, the duo's focus was on protecting the wicket. Zimbabwe’s batting depth, with players like Craig Owen and Sikandar Raza Waiting in the wings set the stage for them to dominate the next day.

Zimbabwe displayed a superb bowling performance as they defeated Afghanistan by 157 runs on the first day of the first New Year's Test.#ZIMvAFG #visitzimbabwe 📝 pic.twitter.com/JqxnzfFVKr

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 2, 2025

ALSO READ: ZIM vs AFG 2025, 2nd Test: Queens Sports Club Pitch Report, Bulawayo Test Statistics and Records