Sikandar Raza, Ervine and Williams keep Zimbabwe ahead on Day 2 vs Afghanistan-OxBig News Network

Zimbabwe edged ahead on a thrilling second day of the Test match against Afghanistan in Bulawayo, with the help of valuable contributions from Sikandar Raza, Craig Ervine, and Sean Williams. With 283 runs scored and 13 wickets falling on the day, the game remains finely poised.

Resuming on 6 for 0, Zimbabwe initially struggled against disciplined Afghan bowling. A top-order collapse left them reeling at 41 for 4. Joylord Gumbie edged Fareed Ahmad to second slip, while Takudzwanashe Kaitano fell down the leg side to Yamin Ahmadzai. Ben Curran briefly steadied the innings with a couple of boundaries but was trapped lbw by a sharp in-ducker from Fareed. Dion Myers, promoted in place of the injured Sean Williams, attempted a counter-attack but edged behind for just 6.

However, Zimbabwe’s middle-order resilience shone through. Raza, playing his first Test since 2021, rode his luck after being dropped early in his innings. Partnering with Ervine, the duo stitched a crucial 71-run stand, relying on singles and occasional boundaries. Raza reached his half-century with a stylish drive off Rashid Khan, while Ervine anchored the innings with a composed 75.

Zimbabwe hold upper hand

Sean Williams, despite nursing a back injury, contributed a gritty 49, adding crucial runs before Zimbabwe were bowled out for 243, securing a significant 86-run lead on a deteriorating pitch.

With the ball, Zimbabwe maintained their dominance in the final session. Blessing Muzarabani struck twice with the new ball, removing both Afghan openers. He dismissed Ibrahim Zadran and Abdul Malik with precision, leaving Afghanistan reeling. Sikandar Raza chipped in with the key wicket of Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan’s skipper and first-Test hero, to cap off a remarkable day for the hosts.

Afghanistan ended the day at 40 for 3, trailing by 46 runs with Rahmat Shah holding the fort. With the pitch offering increasing assistance to the bowlers, Zimbabwe held a slight edge heading into Day 3. Afghanistan will need a strong batting performance to claw their way back into the contest, while Zimbabwe will look to press home their advantage.

The match is delicately poised, with both teams having everything to play for in what promises to be an enthralling third day.