Afghanistan in Zimbabwe, 2 Test Series, 2024/25 |1st Test |12/26/2024 Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Commentary
That’s it from this Test then! We dearly hope we have an even contest between bat and ball in the second Test which begins on the 2nd of January (0800 GMT). The build up though begins a lot earlier. Until then, goodbye and take care!
Craig Ervine says the openers gave them a good start! Adds Curran set the platform with the way he played. Adds they needed to be patient and pick the deliveries to score on. Adds Muzarabani was really good, mentions the bowlers controlled the game really well and credit to them for not letting them get ahead. Ends by saying they’ll see where to improve, they have a few days of rest and they’re looking forward for the next game.
Hashmatullah Shahidi wins the PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARD! He says it means a lot to do such a special thing for his country. Tells the players give their 100%! He and Rahmat Shah played well. Shares he was looking for a result on the last day but the rain came in and changed things. Mentions the pitch was flat and the ball was coming nicely, his bowlers weren't consistent but they did well today. Ends by appreciating the knock from Rahmat Shah.
...Presentation...
Afghanistan had around 34 overs to have a go and try and force a result. They did manage to get a few wickets but Zimbabwe ensured there were no surprises and managed to bag a draw. Zahir Khan was up for the task but the draw was inevitable eventually. If it hadn't rain on Day 4we could have see a result in this match.
In reply, the Afghanistan openers did not do a lot but their number 3,4 and 5 batted brilliantly. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi put up a record breaking stand of over 350 with both scoring double tons. Afsar Zazai too made most of the conditions and scored a ton. Courtesy of the three, Afghanistan took a lead of over 100. If Afghanistan bowlers toiled hard earlier, it was the hosts bowlers turn to do the same job for the next couple of days.
A game dominated by the batters right from Day 1. It was Zimbabwe first who made most of the conditions by posting close to 600. They had three centurions, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett. Sean Williams took the headlines as he notched 150 and set the tone for the humongous total.
The umpires called for drinks but have reversed their decision, to be honest, there is not much left to play! The captains have agreed to end the match. IT ENDS IN DRAW! Finally, the bowlers had a say in this Test! Maybe, just maybe, if we could have got more action on Day 4, Afghanistan could have forced a result. Nevertheless, the game ends in a draw.
33.6
4
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, FOUR! Outside off and it stays low. Williams hammers it down the ground and it races to the fence.
33.5
2
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, On middle, Williams nudges it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.
33.4
4
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, FOUR! Tad short and on middle, Williams pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.
33.3
0
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, Too short and outside off, Williams thinks to play it but then leaves it alone.
33.2
0
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, Fuller ball, outside off, Williams defends with soft hands to the slip cordon.
33.1
0
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, Flat and on off, Williams blocks it out.
END OF OVER 33 | 4 Runs & 0 Wkt | ZIM 132/4
32.6
1
Zia-ur-Rehman to Sean Williams, On middle, Williams works it to long on for one more.
32.5
1
Zia-ur-Rehman to Craig Ervine, Full and on middle, Ervine turns it to mid-wicket for a single.
32.4
1
Zia-ur-Rehman to Sean Williams, Shorter and on middle, Williams pulls it to square leg for a single.
32.3
1
Zia-ur-Rehman to Craig Ervine, Full and on off, Ervine pushes it to long off for a single.
32.2
0
Zia-ur-Rehman to Craig Ervine, Tossed up outside off, Ervine looks to defend but misses. A huge appeal for LBW but it was outside the line.
32.1
0
Zia-ur-Rehman to Craig Ervine, Tossed up on off, Ervine prods and blocks.
END OF OVER 32 | 5 Runs & 0 Wkt | ZIM 128/4
31.6
0
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, Well bowled! Outside off and it spins away. Williams looks to defend again but misses it.
31.5
0
Zahir Khan to Sean Williams, Very full and shaping on off, Williams leans to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but turned down.
31.4
1
Zahir Khan to Craig Ervine, Outside off, Ervine slaps it to point for a single.