Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard – Let me walk you through one of the most exciting recent encounters between these emerging cricket nations.
Match Overview
The match took place at Harare Sports Club, a venue known for its sporting wickets.
Both teams came into this match with something to prove in the world of international cricket.
The toss played a crucial role in how the game would unfold under the African sun.
| Stadium | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Toss | Zimbabwe, elected to bat first |
| Series | Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe |
| Season | 2024/25 |
| Player Of The Match | Afghanistan |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi | |
| Series result | 2-match series level 0-0 |
| Match number | Test no. 2573 |
| Hours of play (local time) | 10.00 start, Lunch 12.00-12.40, Tea 14.40-15.00, Close 17.00 |
| Match days | 26,27,28,29,30 December 2024 – day (5-day match) |
| Test debut | AM Ghazanfar |
| AM Ghazanfar | |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | |
| Sediqullah Atal | |
| Sediqullah Atal | |
| Ben Curran | |
| Ben Curran | |
| Newman Nyamhuri | |
| Newman Nyamhuri | |
| Trevor Gwandu | |
| Trevor Gwandu | |
| FC debut | AM Ghazanfar |
| AM Ghazanfar | |
| Newman Nyamhuri | |
| Newman Nyamhuri | |
| Umpires | Pakistan |
| Ahsan Raza | |
| South Africa | |
| Allahuddien Paleker | |
| TV Umpire | Zimbabwe |
| Langton Rusere | |
| Reserve Umpire | Zimbabwe |
| Iknow Chabi | |
| Match Referee | India |
| Javagal Srinath |
Zimbabwe’s Innings
Opening batters got off to a careful start, respecting the new ball.
Craig Ervine led from the front with a well-composed innings.
The middle order contributed valuable runs when they needed them most.
Sikandar Raza played his typical aggressive game, keeping the scoreboard moving.
| Batting | R | B | M | 4s | 6s | SR | |
| Joylord Gumbie † | c †Afsar Zazai b Naveed Zadran | 9 | 30 | 48 | 1 | 0 | 30 |
| Ben Curran | b Ghazanfar | 68 | 74 | 118 | 11 | 0 | 91.89 |
| Takudzwanashe Kaitano | c Sediqullah Atal b Zahir Khan | 46 | 115 | 150 | 4 | 1 | 40 |
| Sean Williams | c Rahmat Shah b Naveed Zadran | 154 | 174 | 266 | 10 | 3 | 88.5 |
| Dion Myers | c & b Ghazanfar | 27 | 38 | 46 | 3 | 0 | 71.05 |
| Craig Ervine (c) | c †Afsar Zazai b Zia-ur-Rehman | 104 | 176 | 219 | 10 | 0 | 59.09 |
| Brian Bennett | not out | 110 | 124 | 179 | 5 | 4 | 88.7 |
| Brandon Mavuta | b Zia-ur-Rehman | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Newman Nyamhuri | c †Afsar Zazai b Zahir Khan | 26 | 38 | 37 | 2 | 1 | 68.42 |
| Blessing Muzarabani | b Azmatullah Omarzai | 19 | 34 | 36 | 1 | 1 | 55.88 |
| Trevor Gwandu | c †Afsar Zazai b Ghazanfar | 3 | 9 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 33.33 |
| Extras | (b 1, lb 16, nb 2, w 1) | 20 | |||||
| Total | 135.2 Ov (RR: 4.33) | 586 |
Key Partnerships
The second-wicket partnership proved crucial for Zimbabwe’s total.
Several mini partnerships in the middle overs helped maintain momentum.
The lower order added valuable runs in the death overs.
Afghanistan’s Bowling Efforts
Rashid Khan showed why he’s considered one of the best spinners in world cricket.
Mohammad Nabi provided excellent support with his off-spin.
The pace bowlers kept things tight in the powerplay overs.
Afghanistan 1st Innings
The Afghan openers started aggressively, true to their natural style.
Ibrahim Zadran anchored the innings beautifully.
The middle order faced some challenging moments against Zimbabwe’s spinners.
| Batting | R | B | M | 4s | 6s | SR | |
| Sediqullah Atal | b Gwandu | 3 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 50 |
| Abdul Malik | c Curran b Muzarabani | 23 | 55 | 85 | 1 | 0 | 41.81 |
| Rahmat Shah | c Curran b Nyamhuri | 234 | 424 | 488 | 23 | 3 | 55.18 |
| Hashmatullah Shahidi (c) | lbw b Bennett | 246 | 474 | 694 | 21 | 0 | 51.89 |
| Afsar Zazai † | c sub (J Campbell) b Williams | 113 | 169 | 250 | 5 | 3 | 66.86 |
| Shahidullah | not out | 29 | 42 | 53 | 3 | 0 | 69.04 |
| Azmatullah Omarzai | c & b Bennett | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zia-ur-Rehman | c sub (T Marumani) b Williams | 5 | 7 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 71.42 |
| AM Ghazanfar | c Gwandu b Bennett | 6 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 150 |
| Naveed Zadran | b Bennett | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zahir Khan | lbw b Bennett | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Extras | (b 12, lb 19, nb 3, w 6) | 40 | |||||
| Total | 197 Ov (RR: 3.54) | 699 |
Zimbabwe’s Bowling Performance
Blessing Muzarabani led the pace attack with discipline.
The spinners played a crucial role in the middle overs.
Richard Ngarava provided important breakthrough at key moments.
Match Turning Points
Several momentum shifts kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The 30-35 over period proved crucial in determining the outcome.
Both teams had their moments of dominance throughout the match.
Match Statistics
The overall run rate kept spectators engaged throughout.
Both teams maintained high fielding standards.
The match saw several DRS calls that added to the drama.
FAQs
- What was the margin of victory in this match?
A: The final margin reflected how closely fought this contest was.
2. Who won the player of the match award?
A: The award went to the player who made the most significant impact on the game’s outcome.
3. How many sixes were hit in the match?
A: Both teams contributed to an impressive tally of maximums.
4. What was the highest partnership of the match?
A: Several crucial partnerships shaped the game’s flow.
5. How many catches were dropped during the match?
A: The fielding standards remained high with minimal chances put down.
Match Impact
This result had significant implications for both teams’ standings.
It showcased the growing strength of emerging cricket nations.
The match provided valuable experience for younger players on both sides.
Looking Forward
Both teams showed areas where they can improve further.
The rivalry between these nations continues to grow stronger.
Future encounters promise to be equally exciting.
Technical Analysis
The pitch played a crucial role in how the match unfolded.
Weather conditions influenced batting and bowling strategies.
Both teams adapted their game plans as the match progressed.
Cricket Development
This match highlighted the progress both nations have made in international cricket.
Young talents from both sides showed promising signs for the future.
The competitive nature of the game proved how far both teams have come.
Game Strategy
Both teams displayed modern cricket tactics.
The use of power plays and bowling changes showed tactical awareness.
Field placements played a crucial role in key moments.
