Zimbabwe national cricket team vs Afghanistan national cricket team match scorecard – Zimbabwe and Afghanistan clashed in a two-match Test series at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, in December 2024 and January 2025. The series was packed with high-scoring innings, record-breaking performances, and competitive cricket.
Table of Contents
Venue and Match Details (Venue, Time, Date)
The Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan Test series took place at the picturesque Queens Club, Bulawayo, which provided a stunning backdrop for the thrilling cricket action. This iconic venue is known for its lush greenery and fan-friendly atmosphere, drawing in enthusiastic supporters from India eager to witness high-stakes matchups. The first Test commenced on December 26, 2024, continuing through to December 30, with play typically starting at 10:00 AM local time. Following closely, the second Test was scheduled from January 2 to January 5, 2025, offering another opportunity for cricket enthusiasts to enjoy five days of competitive sport. Fans both in the stadium and watching remotely eagerly anticipated the match timings, ensuring they didn’t miss a moment of the riveting action unfolding on the field.
Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Vs Afghanistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard
1st Test (Dec 26-30, 2024) – Match Drawn
Afghanistan and Zimbabwe played out a high-scoring thriller in the first Test, with both teams putting up massive totals.
Zimbabwe 1st Innings
- Total: 586 all out (157.2 overs)
- Top Scorers:
- Sean Williams – 154 (174)
- Brian Bennett – 110* (124)
- Craig Ervine – 82 (144)
- Best Bowler (AFG):
- AM Ghazanfar – 3/127 (30.2)
- Zahir Khan – 2/116 (28)
Afghanistan 1st Innings
- Total: 699 all out (208.2 overs) – Highest Test score for Afghanistan
- Top Scorers:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi – 246 (474) Record for highest individual AFG Test score
- Rahmat Shah – 234 (424)
- Nasir Jamal – 78 (159)
- Best Bowler (ZIM):
- Brian Bennett – 5/95 (28)
- Blessing Muzarabani – 2/122 (38)
Zimbabwe 2nd Innings
- Total: 142/4 (42 overs) Match Drawn due to time
- Top Scorers:
- Ben Curran – 41 (61)
- Sean Williams – 35* (40)
- Best Bowler (AFG):
- Zahir Khan – 2/43 (10)
Match Result: Draw
Player of the Match: Hashmatullah Shahidi (AFG) – 246 runs
2nd Test (Jan 2-5, 2025) – Afghanistan Won by 72 Runs
The second Test was more competitive, with Afghanistan pulling off a strong comeback to claim victory.
- Total: 157 all out (51.2 overs)
- Top Scorer: Rashid Khan – 25 (20)
- Best Bowler (ZIM):
- Newman Nyamhuri – 3/41 (14)
- Sikandar Raza – 3/48 (12)
- Total: 243 all out (87.3 overs) Gained an 86-run lead in the context of the England series.
- Top Scorers:
- Craig Ervine – 75 (165)
- Sikandar Raza – 61 (104)
- Best Bowler (AFG):
- Rashid Khan – 4/94 (27.3)
- Yamin Ahmadzai – 3/56 (21)
Afghanistan 2nd Innings
- Total: 363 all out (121.1 overs)
- Top Scorers:
- Rahmat Shah – 139 (275)
- Ismat Alam – 101 (181)
- Best Bowler (ZIM):
- Blessing Muzarabani – 6/95 (29)
- Total: 205 all out (75.3 overs)
- Top Scorers:
- Craig Ervine – 53 (103)
- Sean Williams – 47 (90)
- Best Bowler (AFG):
- Rashid Khan – 7/66 (27.3)
Match Result: Afghanistan won by 72 runs
Player of the Match: Rashid Khan – 11 wickets in the match
Match Highlights, Commentary & Live Updates
The Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan Test series delivered exhilarating moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats. From breathtaking sixes to nail-biting deliveries, each match unfolded a story of skill and determination. In the first Test, the sheer dominance of Hashmatullah Shahidi’s record-setting innings stood out, as he expertly maneuvered the bowling attack to post an unmatched 246. Commentary echoed throughout, praising his technique and resilience, while the batters showcased their abilities at the crease. The second Test was equally captivating, as Afghanistan showcased their ability to bounce back, with Rashid Khan pulling off a spectacular performance, taking 7 wickets in the second innings that ultimately tilted the match in favor of his team. Live updates flooded social media, highlighting key moments that thrilled fans, from spectacular catches to dramatic run-outs, reminiscent of a cricketing symphony. As the series progressed, both teams demonstrated their strengths, leading to heated debates among commentators and analysts about strategies and player performances. The electric atmosphere at Queens Club surely contributed to an unforgettable experience, with every boundary celebrated and every wicket mourned.
Series Summary & Key Takeaways
- Afghanistan clinches the series 1-0 after a dominant performance in the second Test.
- Record-breaking innings:
- Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 246 became Afghanistan’s highest individual Test score.
- Afghanistan’s 699 all out was their highest Test total.
3. Spin magic: Rashid Khan and Sediqullah Atal were game-changers in the second Test with 11 wickets.
4. Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit:
- Sean Williams and Craig Ervine were consistent performers.
- Brian Bennett’s all-round skills impressed.
Afghanistan’s series victory highlighted their growing dominance in Test cricket, while Zimbabwe showed resilience at home.
Match Flow (Turning Points, Key Moments)
The match flow of the Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan Test series was a rollercoaster of thrilling moments and pivotal turning points that kept fans glued to their seats. In the first Test, one can’t overlook the monumental opening innings of Hashmatullah Shahidi, whose record-breaking 246 not only set the tone for Afghanistan’s innings but also put immense pressure on the Zimbabwean bowlers. The shift in momentum was palpable when Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett captured five crucial wickets, serving as a reminder of his capabilities despite being overshadowed by the mammoth Afghan score. Afsar Zazai, the wicketkeeper, played a significant role as the second Test commenced, showcasing Afghanistan’s resilience when they turned their first innings struggle into a solid total, greatly aided by Rahmat Shah’s impressive century, which was a significant turning point in the match. Zimbabwe’s fightback in their second innings, led by Craig Ervine’s steady play, kept the contest alive until the end; however, it was Rashid Khan’s phenomenal performance of seven wickets that ultimately sealed Afghanistan’s victory, marking as the thrilling Test series between Zimbabwe a stark reminder of how crucial each moment can be in the drama of Test cricket. These key moments not only showcased the talent of individual players but also highlighted the fierce competition between the two sides, making the series memorable for fans and players alike.
Latest News Related to the Match/Series
Zimbabwe and Afghanistan unfolded, fans were abuzz with the latest news and updates that kept everyone engaged. Major headlines included the announcement that the first Test would be broadcasted live, allowing cricket enthusiasts worldwide to witness the historic achievements of players like Hashmatullah Shahidi in real-time. Following the series, analysts highlighted the unprecedented records set during the matches, particularly focusing on Shahidi’s remarkable performance that solidified his place in cricket lore. Furthermore, social media platforms were alight with discussions about Rashid Khan’s extraordinary bowling display in the second Test, which not only earned him accolades but also sparked debates about his impact on Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket and on the ICC rankings. Local news outlets covered fan reactions, emphasizing the electric atmosphere at Queens Club, while cricketing forums buzzed with speculations about both teams’ future series, with questions surrounding squad selections and potential upcoming rivalries. The ongoing discussions about player fitness and form added another layer of intrigue as both teams prepared for their next encounters, ensuring that the momentum of this series continued to resonate in the cricketing community.