ZIM vs AFG: The Chevrons Finally Dominate Red-Ball Cricket After A While Of Pain and Struggles
With the first test match between Zimbabwe and Afganisthan offically over, this match had no shortage of a blowout atmosphere to it, with many praises going to a side slowly making a comeback. As it was the Chevrons who completely dominated this match, they were able to control every phase through three innings and win by an innings plus 73 runs. Having no Sean Williams in the lineup, it showed that many other pieces have been well-trained for big-time moments, and this side has a lot more talent coming up from its domestic platforms. With Craig Ervine providing vital captaining, all credit goes to him as someone who has continued leading this side through all the pain, plus now enjoying the joy as this side grows.
For Afghanistan, they are another test-playing team looking to make their name, but this match didn’t prove much of that. Seeming like they weren’t able to keep up with the style that many nations play this red-ball game, there is still a lot to work on for them, and it all starts with batting. Knowing that neither Rahmat Shah nor Rashid Khan was available for them, those were two key losses, but also gave them an emphasis to focus more on the first-class formats in order to grow their national team. As Hashmutullah Shahidi was leading the side, his captaincy could definitely improve a lot, as inexperience was showing, and he needs to provide a more vocal style.
Afghanistan’s Batting Seemed To Really Be Out Of It During Both Innings
When we see this Afghanistan unit’s batting during this match, it was clear that they struggled to get anything much going, which led to immense problems. As opener Ibrahim Zadran scored 42 runs in his 2nd innings, that wasn’t enough for the rest of their order to make for a 200+ chase to take a lead. Someone who did seem quite solid in his first innings, too, with 19 runs, he was the only real bright spot as his opposing partner in Abdul Malik, really struggled after scoring 30 runs his first time up. Just getting two when he came during the 2nd innings, it became a massive problem because he was the first wicket to go, and created a lot of pressure for his remaining order.
Looking at Rahmanullah Gurbaz, not find any consistency either; he only combined for 38 runs and failed to lead an innings from one of the most important spots. Someone who has been struggling in all three formats, getting him back on track will be a big key, as well as Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored 7 runs in each innings. Bahir Shah did have an impactful 2nd innings when scoring 32 runs, but he really seemed to be out of it during the first one, where he couldn’t seem to track the ball. With Asfar Zazai and Ismat Alam not providing much of a middle-order threat either, it felt like this Afghanistan batting lineup failed to create any real tension.
The Chevrons Spinners And Pacers Seemed On-Point Throughout
Now talking about Zimbabwe, their bowling attack was really dangerous throughout this match as they created big-time pressure from the set. Looking at big-time pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who took 6 wickets throughout out both innings, his height has made a huge impact on his style. Having one of the best whip-action flows that has ever been seen, he provides bouncers that are almost unhittable and can also be a yorker threat at times. Keeping his economy around the 4 mark in his 20+ overs, he will continue being a major point of emphasis for this side and continues having a vital impact with the new ball in almost every single match.
On the left end, Richard Ngarva took a 5-wicket haul after being held without one during the first innings. Someone who attacks with pure pace and is known for hitting that same line and length like many other big-time bowlers, his legacy has continued to build for Zimbabwe. Keeping an economy under 3.00 in that second innings against Afghanistan’s attack, he was really strong in pressure overs down the line. Knowing that Brad Evans had a 5-wicket haul himself from the right end, it really shows how deep this bowling attack is. Rounding it out, spinner Sikandar Raza and right-handed pacer Tanaka Chivanga bowled some key overs down the line.
Zimbabwe’s One Batting Innings Was Something Great To Look At
Seeing that Zimbabwe were also able to bat at a very high level, they really proved it during their one innings in this match. As many people got worried Brian Bennett went out so early at just 7 runs, one big piece was left-handed batsman Ben Curran. Being one guy who has made his debut just a couple of years back for Zimbabwe, he was able to hit 121 runs and 15 boundaries throughout his innings, despite wickets falling around him. As Nick Welch was another piece who slowly became impactful from the right end, he was close to hitting a half-century in their only innings as he scored 49 and was able to hit a combined 6 boundaries, with one six.
Really being the heart of this squad now, Sikandar Raza had added 65 on his 88 deliveries, while showing his quickness despite being up in age. Known for his ability to hit with power, he did add 7 fours despite having to face some bowlers that fooled him a little. With Brendan Taylor making a strong 32-run knock in a long return to this long format of cricket, it was quite interesting to see someone like Brad Evans attack at the back-end. Scoring 35 runs and hitting four boundaries with one massive maximum, he seemed to charging at bowlers down the line at remained not-out. Closing it out, Tafazdwa Tsiga showed his potential as a batsman and made for another exciting piece on this attack.
Afghanistan’s Pacers Tried Their Best Despite Having A Few Issues
Finally, talking about Afghanistan’s bowling attack, it was a real struggle for them to create much of a threat, despite some pacers coming up big-time. One guy to focus on was Ziaur Rahman, as he took 7 wickets and was able to find the middle of the stumps quite easily. Getting many clean-bowled and LBW opportunities, he was a great option throughout, while also being quite economical considering where other bowlers were at. Knowing that Yamin Ahmadazi was also able to allow fewer than 2.6 runs per over, their spinning option in Khalil Gurbaz had allowed 54 runs just in 9 overs. Being quite expensive, he and other spinner Sharfuddin Ashraf seemed like the guys Zimbabwe were attacking the most.
Also Read: PAK vs SA: Noman Ali Wallops South Africa