ZIM VS AFG ONE OFF TEST

Test cricket returns to Harare as Zimbabwe host Afghanistan in a one-off clash that promises to be an intriguing contest between two proud, evolving sides eager to prove their red-ball mettle. For Zimbabwe, it’s a chance to reignite their Test spirit after a quiet stretch in the longer format, and they’ll be banking on the experience of Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, and the ever-reliable Sikandar Raza to provide stability with the bat. The return of Blessing Muzarabani adds bite to their pace attack, while Wellington Masakadza’s spin could play a crucial role on a surface expected to wear as the game progresses. They'll surely be missing the quality of Sean Williams, but Ben Curran has already shown that he can handle the red ball quite effectively at the top. Afghanistan, meanwhile, come in with growing confidence, led by Hashmatullah Shahidi and backed by a young bowling attack. Zia-ur-Rehman’s guile, alongside the left-arm spin of Sharafuddin Ashraf and the steady pace of Ziaur Rahman, gives them a balanced arsenal capable of testing Zimbabwe’s technique. Their batting, featuring the likes of Ibrahim Zadran, Ikram Alikhil, and the dangerous Rahmanullah Gurbaz has shown increasing maturity in recent series and will be key to setting up the contest. The last time these two sides met in a Test series, it was entertainment galore. The first game was a high-scoring draw, with Shahidi being the star of the show with a scintillating 246, while the Afghans managed to get the better of the hosts in the second game and sealed the series. However, since then, a lot has changed, and both sides have some new faces who are eager to make their mark. With Zimbabwe’s home advantage pitted against Afghanistan’s spin depth, expect a gripping battle of patience, adaptability, and temperament - the kind of old-school Test that could swing on one magical spell or a gutsy hundred. Whose side are you on?