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The second and final Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will begin on January 2, 2024, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. After a high-scoring draw in the first Test, both teams will look to make adjustments to secure a decisive result. Here’s a detailed preview of what to expect:
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, 2nd Test |
| Date | January 2, 2024 |
| Venue | Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo |
| Time | 9:30 AM Local (1:00 PM IST) |
Team Previews
Zimbabwe Preview
Zimbabwe showcased remarkable resilience with the bat in the first Test, amassing 586 runs in their first innings. Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104*), and Brian Bennett (110) played stellar knocks, solidifying their positions as the backbone of Zimbabwe’s batting lineup.
Opener Ben Curran showed glimpses of form, and Takudzwanashe Kaitano looked promising at No. 3. However, Zimbabwe’s bowling attack struggled on a flat pitch. Spinner Brian Bennett emerged as the standout bowler with a five-wicket haul, while Sean Williams and Blessing Muzarabani contributed modestly.
For this game, Zimbabwe may consider adding Richard Ngarava to their lineup to bolster their bowling attack. A similar batting performance will be critical if they are to challenge Afghanistan in the second Test.
Key Players: Sean Williams, Brian Bennett, Craig Ervine, Blessing Muzarabani
Afghanistan Preview
Afghanistan’s batters delivered an extraordinary performance in the first Test, putting up a mammoth 699 on the scoreboard. Hashmatullah Shahidi (246) and Rahmat Shah (234) crafted marathon innings, while Afsar Zazai contributed with a solid hundred.
Despite their batting heroics, Afghanistan’s bowlers found it challenging to make inroads. Young off-spinner AM Ghazanfar displayed promise, bagging 4 wickets, while Zahir Khan and Zia-ur-Rehman had moderate success. Afghanistan will need to refine their bowling strategies to exploit any assistance the surface provides.
Key Players: Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, AM Ghazanfar, Zahir Khan
Squads
Zimbabwe:
Joylord Gumbie (wk), Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine (c), Dion Myers, Brandon Mavuta, Brian Bennett, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu/Richard Ngarava
Afghanistan:
Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), AM Ghazanfar, Afsar Zazai (wk), Azmatullah Omarzai, Shahidullah Kamal, Naveed Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Batsmen | Hashmatullah Shahidi | Afghanistan |
| Rahmat Shah | Afghanistan | |
| Sean Williams | Zimbabwe | |
| Craig Ervine | Zimbabwe | |
| Brian Bennett | Zimbabwe | |
| All-rounders | Azmatullah Omarzai | Afghanistan |
| Brandon Mavuta | Zimbabwe | |
| Wicketkeeper | Afsar Zazai | Afghanistan |
| Bowlers | AM Ghazanfar | Afghanistan |
| Blessing Muzarabani | Zimbabwe | |
| Zahir Khan | Afghanistan |
Pitch Report and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report:
The pitch at Queens Sports Club is expected to remain flat and conducive to batting, much like the first Test. Spinners may find some assistance later in the game, but overall, bowlers will have to work hard to extract results.
Weather Conditions:
Cloudy skies with occasional showers are forecast throughout the match. While rain interruptions are possible, they are unlikely to wash out entire sessions.
Winning Prediction
Given the batting-friendly conditions and potential rain interruptions, another draw is the most likely outcome. However, if either team’s bowlers manage to find breakthroughs, Afghanistan appears slightly better positioned to secure a result.
Prediction: Draw.
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