Image: Afghanistan clinched a thrilling 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second Test / © ESPNcricinfo
In the 2nd Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, Afghanistan triumphed by 72 runs, clinching the two-match series 1-0. Afghanistan, batting first, was dismissed for 157 in 44.3 overs, with Zimbabwe’s bowlers, including Richard Ngarava (1/18), Blessing Muzarabani (2/56), Newman Nyamhuri (3/42), and Sikandar Raza (3/30), dominating the innings. Rahmat Shah top-scored with 19, and Rashid Khan contributed a quickfire 25.
Zimbabwe responded with 243 in 73.3 overs, taking a slim 86-run lead. Craig Ervine’s 75 and Sikandar Raza’s 61 were key, while Rashid Khan (4/94) and Yamin Ahmadzai (3/62) kept Afghanistan in the hunt.
In their second innings, Afghanistan fought back, posting 363 in 113.5 overs, with Rahmat Shah’s 139 and Ismat Alam’s debut century (101) leading the charge. Despite a 6-wicket haul from Muzarabani (6/95), Zimbabwe’s chase of 278 fell short, finishing at 205 all out. Rashid Khan’s match-winning 7/66 sealed Afghanistan’s victory.