Afghanistan secured a convincing 72-run victory over Zimbabwe on Monday, clinching the two-Test series. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan played a pivotal role, claiming his seventh wicket of the innings to seal the win.
Zimbabwe resumed their second innings on Monday at 205-8, requiring 73 runs for victory. Captain Craig Ervine was unbeaten on 53 at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
The home team’s hopes were quickly dashed as they failed to add any further runs. Afghanistan needed just 15 deliveries to secure their first Test victory since defeating Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi four years ago.
Richard Ngarava was run out for three, adding to Zimbabwe’s woes. Rashid Khan then dismissed Ervine leg before wicket, finishing with impressive figures of 7-66.
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Ervine’s 53 was the top score for Zimbabwe in their second innings. His knock spanned 103 balls and included a six and four boundaries.
Khan’s performance was instrumental throughout the rain-affected match. He had also taken four wickets in Zimbabwe’s first innings.
Despite his outstanding performance, Khan deflected praise towards his teammates. He highlighted the contributions of Rahmat Shah and debutant Ismat Alam, who both scored centuries in Afghanistan’s second innings.
“The way they performed the second time around got us back into the match.”
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Khan acknowledged the 86-run deficit Afghanistan faced after the first innings. He commended Ismat Alam’s resilience after being dismissed for a duck in his first innings.
“The way Ismat shrugged off the disappointment of being out for nought in his first innings was amazing. He was hurt during the second innings but carried on for the sake of his country.”
Khan also shared his personal satisfaction with his performance. He mentioned his recovery from back surgery and expressed encouragement at taking 11 wickets in the match.
“I am recovering from back surgery, so taking 11 wickets was very encouraging. It was all about adapting to the conditions, which initially favoured the bowlers, then the batters.”
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Afghanistan’s first innings total was 157, with Rashid Khan top-scoring with 25. Sikandar Raza and Blessing Muzarabani each took three wickets for Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe responded with 243 in their first innings. Craig Ervine (75), Sikandar Raza (61), and Sean Williams (49) were the main contributors with the bat. Rashid Khan took four wickets for Afghanistan, while Yamin Ahmadzai claimed three.
Afghanistan posted a substantial 363 in their second innings. Rahmat Shah scored a magnificent 139, and Ismat Alam marked his debut with a century (101). Blessing Muzarabani took six wickets for Zimbabwe, and Richard Ngarava chipped in with three.
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Zimbabwe’s second innings total was 205. Craig Ervine’s 53 was the highest score. Rashid Khan’s seven wickets proved decisive for Afghanistan.
Afghanistan emerged victorious by 72 runs, winning the two-Test series. Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field.