Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2nd Test: The second and final Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan promises another intriguing contest at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. Following a record-breaking opening Test that saw both teams pile on runs in excess of 1400 and multiple individual milestones, the stage is set for another high-scoring affair. While Zimbabwe will be aiming to level the series, Afghanistan will be determined to secure a clean sweep after dominating the white-ball formats earlier in the tour.

Match Details

• Match: Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2nd Test
• Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
• Date & Time: Thursday, January 2, 2025, 13:30 IST
• Series: Afghanistan in Zimbabwe, 2 Test Series, 2024/25

Pitch Report

The Queens Sports Club has historically been a paradise for batters, with flat surfaces and minimal assistance for bowlers, especially in the first three days. Expect another high-scoring contest with spinners gradually coming into play as the pitch deteriorates. The weather in Bulawayo will be mostly cloudy, with occasional thundershowers potentially disrupting play. However, prolonged rain interruptions are unlikely. Bat first. The pitch is likely to favor batters initially, offering a significant advantage to the team that sets the pace with a strong first innings total.

Pitch Stats:

• Matches Played: 26
• Matches Won Batting First: 4
• Matches Won Batting Second: 12
• Average 1st Innings Score: 307
• Average 2nd Innings Score: 395

Head-to-Head

• Matches Played: 3
• Wins: Zimbabwe – 1
• Afghanistan – 1
• Draws – 1
• Win Percentage: Both teams at 33.33%

Last Five Meetings

1. Draw – 26th December 2024
2. Afghanistan won by 6 wickets – 10th March 2021
3. Zimbabwe won by 10 wickets – 2nd March 2021

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2nd Test Team News

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s batting lineup shone brightly in the first Test, with Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, and Brian Bennett all scoring centuries. Bennett, in particular, stood out with his all-round performance, bagging a five-wicket haul alongside his batting heroics.

Blessing Muzarabani remains their main strike bowler and will be crucial with the new ball. To strengthen their bowling unit, Richard Ngarava might replace Trevor Gwandu for the second Test.

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s record-breaking batting performance in the first Test was headlined by Rahmat Shah (234) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (246). Their bowling attack, led by AM Ghazanfar, Zahir Khan, and Zia-ur-Rehman, showed promise despite the flat conditions.

All-rounder Azmatullah Omarzai will be looking to bounce back after a subdued performance in the first Test.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2nd Test Playing 11

Key Players

Zimbabwe

• Sean Williams: A century in the first Test and his ability to contribute with the ball make him a key player.
• Craig Ervine: The skipper’s unbeaten century in the first Test underlines his importance in anchoring the innings.
• Blessing Muzarabani: Zimbabwe’s pace spearhead will need to make early inroads.

Afghanistan

• Rahmat Shah: Fresh off a double century, he will aim to replicate his brilliance in the second Test.
• Hashmatullah Shahidi: The captain’s leadership and massive 246 in the first Test highlight his importance.
• AM Ghazanfar: Afghanistan’s young spinner showed promise with turn and bounce and will be key on a deteriorating pitch.

Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe 2nd Test Prediction

The second Test is likely to follow the pattern of the first, with batters dominating the proceedings. Zimbabwe will rely on their experienced players like Sean Williams and Craig Ervine to lead the charge, while Afghanistan’s spin trio could hold the key on the final days.

Prediction: Afghanistan holds a slight edge due to their stronger spin attack and recent form. Expect another draw or a narrow win for the visitors.

Who will emerge victorious in Bulawayo? Stay tuned!

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