Rashid Khan delivered a masterclass in leg-spin bowling, taking three crucial wickets in the final hour of play on Sunday to leave Afghanistan poised for victory in the second Test against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo.
At the close of day four, Zimbabwe were 8-205 in their second innings, still trailing by 73 runs in their pursuit of a 278-run target to win the series. Captain Craig Ervine remained unbeaten on 53, alongside tailender Richard Ngarava, who was on 3.
Rashid Khan’s late spell turned the game in Afghanistan’s favor, finishing the day with figures of 6-66 in the second innings and 10 wickets for the match, after his 4-94 in Zimbabwe’s first innings.
Afghanistan’s innings highlights
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan were bowled out for 363, building on their overnight score of 7-291. Ismat Alam reached his maiden Test century, scoring 101, while Blessing Muzarabani led the Zimbabwean bowling attack with an impressive 6-95.
Afghanistan’s batting had been anchored by Rahmat Shah, who scored 139 in the second innings and emerged as the leading scorer of the series with 392 runs.
Zimbabwe’s struggles in the chase
Zimbabwe’s chase began with early setbacks. Afghan bowlers removed openers Abdul Malik and debutant Riaz Hassan on Friday, with Blessing Muzarabani and Sikandar Raza striking key blows. The early dismissals left Afghanistan reeling at 3-46 in their second innings after Zimbabwe had taken an 86-run lead with their first innings score of 243.
Afghanistan, who were bowled out for a modest 157 in their first innings on Thursday, clawed back into the match through Rashid Khan’s brilliance with the ball and the batting heroics of Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam.
With Zimbabwe still trailing and just two wickets remaining, Afghanistan are favorites to clinch the match and level the series when play resumes on Monday. However, Craig Ervine’s resilience and Zimbabwe’s determination could set the stage for a dramatic final day.
