Sikandar Raza had a very special return to the Zimbabwe Test squad with a remarkable performance with the ball on the first day of the second and final Test against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club.
Sikandar Raza masterclass proved too much for Afghanistan batters
Sikandar had a stellar performance as he shined during Afghanistan’s 1st innings. The 38-year-old off-spinner managed to get rid of the in-form Rahmat Shah who was bowled out while attempting a paddle scoop on the last delivery of the 30th over. Critically, Shah played an impeccable 234-run knock in the previous Test against Zimbabwe.
Sikandar then bowled out Ismat Alam on a traditional off-spin delivery pitch right in the middle stump, completely beating the lower-order Afghan batter. Alam went back to the pavilion on a duck facing just 2 deliveries. Sikandar’s next target was tailender Yamin Ahmadzai as the arm ball from the off-spinner was too much for the Afghan No.10. Sikandar’s 3 wickets were instrumental in a determined bowling effort from Zimbabwean bowlers to bowl out the Afghans on 157 runs in just 44.3 overs on Day 1 of the match.
Also [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman cleans up Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of the first Test
Here’s the video:
The Comeback man on a mission! 💪
Playing his first test in 4 years, Sikandar Raza picked up 3 crucial wickets as Zimbabwe bowled out Afghanistan for just 157 in the 1st innings! 👏#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/blNGQH25tm
— FanCode (@FanCode) January 2, 2025
Bowlers dominate as Zimbabwe trail Afghanistan
The 2nd Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo has been a bowler’s game so far. Afghanistan, batting first, could only muster 157 runs, with Rashid Khan’s brisk 25 standing out. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Sikandar and Newman Nyamhuri, took three wickets each, exploiting favorable conditions. In reply, Zimbabwe faltered early, slipping to 41/4 by the first session of Day 2, trailing by 116 runs. Fareed Ahmad and Ahmadzai impressed on their Test debuts, taking two wickets each. Day 1 was marred by wet conditions, leading to a cautious start. With both teams struggling for runs, this low-scoring encounter promises a gripping contest as the game progresses. The onus now lies on Zimbabwe’s middle order to steady the innings and avoid conceding a significant first-innings lead.
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