The thrilling Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe at Nelson has been a tale of two heroes—Ismat Alam and Rashid Khan. With the final day looming, Afghanistan needs just two wickets to seal a memorable victory, while Zimbabwe faces an uphill battle, still 73 runs shy of their target.
Day Four Highlights: A Dominant Afghanistan Performance
The fourth day of the Test saw Afghanistan asserting their dominance with exceptional performances from debutant Ismat Alam and star spinner Rashid Khan.
Morning Session: Ismat’s Debut Century Steals the Show
Afghanistan began the day in a strong position, leading by 205 runs. Ismat Alam, who had scored a duck in his first international innings, made amends in spectacular fashion. Displaying maturity beyond his years, Ismat converted his maiden Test fifty into a stunning century. His innings of 101 runs off 136 balls included a mix of elegant drives and powerful pulls, making it the highest score by an Afghanistan batter on Test debut.
Accompanied by Rashid Khan, who contributed with a breezy 28, Ismat guided Afghanistan to a total of 363 runs, setting Zimbabwe a daunting target of 278.
Afternoon Session: Rashid Weaves His Magic
Zimbabwe’s chase began on a shaky note. The openers managed a decent start, but Afghanistan’s bowlers quickly found their rhythm. Zia-ur-Rehman struck first, dismissing Joylord Gumbie with a sharp delivery that ended in a slip catch.
Then came the Rashid Khan show. In a spell of wizardry, Rashid dismissed Ben Curran with a spinning delivery from the rough and removed Takudzwanashe Kaitano just before tea. His relentless pressure kept Zimbabwe’s batters on edge, setting the stage for an intense final session.
Evening Session: Zimbabwe’s Grit Meets Rashid’s Brilliance
Zimbabwe’s senior duo of Craig Ervine and Sikandar Raza put up a spirited fight with a 58-run partnership. Playing cautiously, they nudged singles and showed resilience against Afghanistan’s spinners.
However, Rashid broke the stand with a deceptive delivery that lured Raza into a mistimed shot. The wicket marked Rashid’s fifth Test five-for, adding to his already illustrious resume.
Zimbabwe’s collapse continued as Sean Williams and Brian Bennett fell in quick succession, courtesy of Rashid’s accuracy and Zia’s clever variations. By stumps, Craig Ervine remained unbeaten on 53, battling valiantly but running out of partners.
Key Performances
- Ismat Alam (Afghanistan):
- Scored a century on debut, stabilizing Afghanistan’s innings and setting a challenging target.
- Rashid Khan (Afghanistan):
- Took 6 for 66, turning the game decisively in Afghanistan’s favor.
- Craig Ervine (Zimbabwe):
- Fought hard with an unbeaten 53, keeping Zimbabwe’s hopes alive.
- Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe):
- Claimed a five-wicket haul, giving Zimbabwe a fighting chance.
Match Summary
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 157 | 363 |
| Zimbabwe | 243 | 205/8 |
Zimbabwe needs 73 more runs to win with two wickets in hand.
FAQs
Ismat Alam’s debut century and Rashid Khan’s six-wicket haul were the standout moments, showcasing a mix of promising talent and seasoned brilliance.
Rashid Khan claimed his 400th international wicket during this match.
Zimbabwe requires 73 runs with only two wickets in hand, making Afghanistan the clear favorites.
Conclusion: Afghanistan Poised for Victory
With just two wickets separating Afghanistan from a series win, the final day promises to be a nail-biter. Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine stands as the lone barrier, but Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, are likely to seal the deal.
This match has been a testament to Afghanistan’s rise in Test cricket, with emerging stars like Ismat Alam proving they belong on the big stage. For Zimbabwe, it’s a tale of missed opportunities but also of Ervine’s admirable resistance.
Final Prediction: Afghanistan wraps it up early on Day 5!
