One-off Test, Harare, October 20, 2025, 01:30 PM
Afghanistan
127/10(32.3ov)
Zimbabwe
130/2(38.0ov)
Day 1: Stumps - ZIM lead by 3 runs
Win Projections to be updated soon
We are all set for a critical day. Will Zimbabwe seize the initiative and bat long, or can Afghanistan mount a spirited fightback with the ball? Join us for all the action as Day 2 gets underway...
However, Afghanistan’s bowlers will be desperate for early breakthroughs. They rely heavily on the debutant Ziaur Rahman, who claimed both wickets on Day 1, including the crucial one of Nick Welch for 49. A couple of quick wickets could expose Zimbabwe's middle order and suddenly balance out the game.
The focus this morning will be squarely on Zimbabwe's two unbeaten batters, Ben Curran and Brendan Taylor. Curran, having already reached his second Test fifty and looking rock solid, will aim to convert this start into a massive score. Veteran Taylor, meanwhile, provides the experience to manage the innings. Zimbabwe will be looking to pile on the runs and build a lead that can effectively bat Afghanistan out of the game.
Welcome to Day 2 of the Test in Harare! The opening day clearly belonged to the hosts, Zimbabwe, who finished in a commanding position. After bowling out Afghanistan for a paltry 127, thanks to Brad Evans' brilliant 5/22, Zimbabwe's batters showed resilience. They ended the day on 130/2, having taken a slim but crucial 3-run lead.
... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...
That's all for Day 1. The hosts hold a slender 3-run lead and will aim to extend it tomorrow. Afghanistan will look to strike early and mount a comeback. Tune in tomorrow at 8 am GMTÂ and a bit early for the pre-match analysis. Until then, take care, and cheers!
With the chance to take control, Zimbabwe came out to bat and played smartly. They only lost two wickets by the end of the day. Ben Curran was the main batter, scoring a great 52 runs, and the experienced Brendan Taylor was with him on 18 runs. Zimbabwe are now at 130 runs, meaning they already have a small 3-run lead. They have finished the day strongly and will be aiming to bat for a long time tomorrow to build a huge lead and bury the Afghan team under pressure.
However, everything changed very quickly. Once Tanaka Chivanga finally broke the partnership, it was the start of a major disaster for Afghanistan. Zimbabwe’s bowlers suddenly became unstoppable. The star was Brad Evans, who bowled incredibly well to take 5 wickets for just 22 runs. Blessing Muzarabani helped him out with 3 wickets. The Afghan team completely fell apart, losing an unbelievable nine wickets for only 50 runs. They were all out for a very low score of 127 even before the tea break.
Day 1 started with Afghanistan trying to set a good score, and for a while, it looked like they might. They lost Ibrahim Zadran early, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdul Malik played well together and built a solid partnership of 54 runs for the second wicket. They were playing carefully and making sure the runs kept ticking over, putting the pressure back on the Zimbabwean bowlers. It seemed like Afghanistan was in control and heading towards a strong total.
It has got a bit dark here at the Harare Sports Club. The umpire takes the reading, and off come the bails! Stumps are called on Day 1. The hosts end on a high, leading by 3 runs with 8 wickets in the bank.
In over# 38
1
1
1
1
0
1
Ziaur Rahman 35/2(13)
37.6
1
Short again, on leg, Ben Curran pulls it to square leg for one more.
37.5
1
Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to wide mid off for one.
37.4
1
Short, on leg, Ben Curran tugs it to square leg for one. Zimbabwe leads by a run now!
37.3
1
Back of a length, on leg, Brendan Taylor tucks it to mid-wicket for one.
37.2
.
Short, on off, Brendan Taylor ducks under it.
37.1
1
Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran pulls it through backward square leg for a single. Fifty up for Ben Curran. His second Test fifty.
In over# 37
1
1
0
1
1
0
Sharafuddin Ashraf 14/0(3)
36.6
1
Short, outside off, Ben Curran punches it through covers for one.
36.5
1
Slower one, on off, Brendan Taylor punches it to mid off for one.