On the final day, Afghanistan wrapped up Zimbabwe’s innings within just 15 balls to secure a 72-run victory in the second and final Test.
Afghanistan had already set the stage for victory on the previous day. On Monday morning in Bulawayo, they wasted no time, dismissing Zimbabwe’s last two wickets in quick succession to celebrate an impressive win.
The triumph marked Afghanistan’s fourth win in 11 Test matches and their second victory against Zimbabwe. The two-match series ended 1-0 in Afghanistan’s favor after the high-scoring first Test ended in a draw.
Entering the final day, Afghanistan needed just two wickets, while Zimbabwe required 73 runs for an unlikely win. However, the hosts couldn’t add a single run to their overnight score of 205, falling short of the 278-run target.
The star of the match was Rashid Khan, whose record-breaking bowling performance dismantled Zimbabwe. Rashid took 7 wickets for 66 runs, marking the best bowling figures in an innings for Afghanistan in Test cricket. This was also the second time the leg-spinner claimed 7 wickets in a Test innings, with his first coming against Zimbabwe in 2021 (7 for 137).
Zimbabwe began the day at 8 wickets down, with Richard Ngarava and Craig Ervine at the crease. Ngarava was run out in the second over of the day due to a mix-up, departing for just 3 runs. In the very next over, Rashid Khan dismissed Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine, who had been the hosts’ last hope. Ervine was trapped LBW by a sharply turning delivery, departing on his overnight score of 53.
For his match-winning performance, Rashid Khan was named Player of the Match. Meanwhile, Rahmat Shah, who scored a double century and a century across the series with an average of 130.66, was awarded Player of the Series.
Match Summary:
- Afghanistan 1st Innings: 157
- Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 243
- Afghanistan 2nd Innings: 363
- Zimbabwe 2nd Innings: 205 (Target: 278)
Result: Afghanistan won by 72 runs.
Player of the Match: Rashid Khan
Series: Afghanistan won the two-match series 1-0.
Player of the Series: Rahmat Shah
