Rashid Khan’s Masterclass Secures Afghanistan’s Historic Win Over Zimbabwe
Afghanistan secured a memorable series victory over Zimbabwe, thanks to an incredible performance by Rashid Khan. The ace leg-spinner’s match haul of 11 wickets, including a career-best 7 for 66 in the second innings, was the highlight of Afghanistan’s 72-run victory in the second Test. This victory earned Afghanistan a 1-0 series win following a high-scoring draw in the first match.
After Zimbabwe was left with a daunting target of 243, it was Rashid Khan who proved to be the difference. His bowling performance dominated the final morning, where Afghanistan needed just two good deliveries to wrap up the match.
The Thrill of the Final Day: Rashid Khan’s Quick Strikes
The fifth day of the Test began with Afghanistan needing just two wickets to win. Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine, was their last hope, starting the day on 53* and needing to dig deep to guide his team to victory. However, Rashid Khan had other plans.
- Rashid’s Early Drama: Rashid nearly dismissed Richard Ngarava early on, with Ngarava surviving a difficult chance dropped by Hashmatullah Shahidi. Despite the missed opportunity, Rashid didn’t have to wait long for his next breakthrough.
- Ervine’s Run Out: After a failed attempt at a quick single, Ervine’s partner, Ngarava, was run out by a sharp throw from Shahidullah. This left Zimbabwe with one wicket remaining.
- The Final Blow: Rashid struck again, dismissing Ervine with a superb delivery that trapped him in front as he attempted a sweep. Despite doubts over the ball’s trajectory, the umpire’s decision stood, sealing Afghanistan’s victory.
Afghanistan’s Batting Resilience Set the Stage for Rashid’s Heroics
While Rashid’s bowling stole the spotlight, Afghanistan’s batting played a crucial role in setting up the win.
- Rahmat Shah’s 139 and Alam’s 101: Rahmat Shah’s scintillating century (139 runs) and Ismat Alam’s debut hundred (101 runs) turned the game in Afghanistan’s favor. Despite starting the second innings 86 runs behind, Afghanistan fought back strongly.
- Rashid Khan’s Crucial Contributions: Rashid also chipped in with vital runs in both innings, contributing 25 and 23 runs to Afghanistan’s total. His efforts with the bat, alongside those of Rahmat and Alam, provided the necessary runs for a competitive total.
Zimbabwe’s Brave Fight Cut Short by Rashid’s Dominance
Zimbabwe showed resilience throughout the match, particularly through captain Craig Ervine, who made 75 and 53 in the first and second innings, respectively. However, they were always on the backfoot after a poor showing in the second innings, where Rashid Khan’s spell dismantled the lower order.
Despite a valiant late effort from Ervine, Zimbabwe’s chase fell short as Rashid delivered the final blow. The absence of DRS meant there was no option for a review, and the decision to dismiss Ervine stood, much to the delight of Afghanistan’s jubilant players.
Key Moments of the Match
- Rashid’s Career-Best Performance: Rashid Khan’s 11-wicket match haul, including 7 for 66 in the second innings, proved to be the game-changer for Afghanistan.
- Crucial Contributions from Afghanistan’s Batsmen: Rahmat Shah’s 139 and Ismat Alam’s 101 were pivotal in Afghanistan’s resurgence after trailing in the first innings.
- Zimbabwe’s Brave Resistance: Despite the loss, Zimbabwe fought hard with Craig Ervine leading the charge, scoring 75 and 53 in both innings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What was the key performance that led Afghanistan to victory over Zimbabwe?
A: Rashid Khan’s exceptional 11-wicket performance, including career-best figures of 7 for 66 in the second innings, played a crucial role in Afghanistan’s victory.
Q: How did Afghanistan’s batting contribute to the win?
A: Rahmat Shah’s 139 and Ismat Alam’s 101 were vital in setting Afghanistan up for a competitive total, while Rashid Khan’s 25 and 23 in both innings added crucial runs.
Q: What was the final result of the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Test series?
A: Afghanistan won the second Test by 72 runs, securing a 1-0 series victory after a high-scoring draw in the first match.
Q: Who was the standout performer for Zimbabwe in the match?
A: Zimbabwe’s captain Craig Ervine was the standout performer, scoring 75 in the first innings and 53 in the second, but his efforts were not enough to see Zimbabwe over the line.
A Historic Series Win for Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s historic win over Zimbabwe, led by Rashid Khan’s career-best performance, is a moment to remember in Test cricket. With strong batting performances from Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam, combined with Rashid’s brilliance with the ball, Afghanistan’s come-from-behind win will be etched in the memories of cricket fans. This series victory marks another significant milestone for Afghanistan’s growing presence in international cricket.