HARARE, Zimbabwe — At the end of Day 2 in the Test match, Afghanistan faced an uphill battle at 46 for 3 in their second innings, trailing Zimbabwe by 40 runs with seven wickets remaining.
Zimbabwe had earlier taken control of the match by scoring 243 in their first innings, securing an 86-run lead over Afghanistan’s first-innings total of 157. Craig Ervine anchored Zimbabwe’s innings with a steady 75 off 165 balls, while Sikandar Raza contributed a brisk 61 off 104 deliveries.
Afghanistan’s bowling attack kept the hosts from extending their lead too far. Rashid Khan claimed 4 for 94 in 27.3 overs, supported by Yamin Ahmadzai (3 for 62) and Fareed Ahmad (2 for 27).
Rain briefly interrupted the day’s play after Rashid dismissed Sean Williams for 49, with Zimbabwe at 220 for 8, leading by 63 runs. Despite losing wickets in the post-lunch session, Zimbabwe managed to reach 210 for 7, building a critical lead.
Afghanistan’s second innings got off to a shaky start, with three top-order wickets falling quickly. Zimbabwe’s bowlers capitalized on early movement and tight lines to leave the Afghan batsmen under pressure heading into Day 3.
Scorecard
First Innings
Afghanistan: 157 all out in 44.3 overs
Rashid Khan: 25 (20)
Rahmat Shah: 19 (64)
Sikandar Raza: 12-30-3
Newman Nyamhuri: 8.3-42-3
Second Innings
Zimbabwe: 243 all out in 73.3 overs
Craig Ervine: 75 (165)
Sikandar Raza: 61 (104)
Rashid Khan: 27.3-94-4
Yamin Ahmadzai: 18-62-3
Third Innings
Afghanistan: 46 for 3 in 15 overs (trailing by 40 runs)
The third day promises a critical battle as Afghanistan seeks to rebuild and narrow the deficit against a disciplined Zimbabwe attack.
