Skip to contentPhysical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
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 the Queens Sports Club.
Sikandar Raza’s masterclass proved too much for Afghanistan’s batsmen
Sikandar had a stellar performance as he shone during Afghanistan’s first innings. The 38-year-old off-spinner managed to shake off the form Rahmat Shah who was dismissed while attempting a padel ball in the last delivery of the 30th over. Critically, Shah played a flawless knock of 234 runs in the previous Test against Zimbabwe.
Then Sikandar came out Ismat Alam on a traditional off-spin delivery pitched right at middle stump, completely outrunning the lower-order Afghan batsman. Alam returned to the pavilion with a duck off just 2 deliveries. Sikandar’s next target was Tailender Yamin Ahmadzai as the off-spinner’s arm ball was too much for the Afghan No.10. Sikandar’s 3 wickets were instrumental in a determined bowling effort by the Zimbabwean bowlers to bowl out the Afghans for 157 runs in just 44.3 overs on Day 1 of the match.
Also (MIR): Zia-ur-Rehman cleans up Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of the first Test
Here is the video:
The man back 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 first 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 bowl game so far. Afghanistan, batting first, could only muster 157 runs, with Rashid Khan‘s fast 25 outstanding. The Zimbabwean bowlers, led by Sikandar and Newman Nyamhuritook three wickets each, taking advantage of favorable conditions. In reply, Zimbabwe faltered early, slumping to 41/4 in the first session on Day 2, losing by 116 runs. Fareed Ahmad i 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 fighting for runs, this low-scoring encounter promises to be an exciting contest as the game progresses. The onus is now on Zimbabwe’s middle order to balance the innings and avoid conceding a significant first innings lead.
