Afghanistan Seals Historic Test Series Win Over Zimbabwe

January 6, 2025 Yaraan Team 0
Afghan cricket players stand together on the field, proudly holding the winners' trophy after their Test series victory against Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan's national cricket team poses with the trophy after defeating Zimbabwe in the Test series. The players showcased exceptional teamwork and skill, securing their first multi-format series win on Zimbabwean soil. (Photo: Afghanistan Cricket Board)

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – Afghanistan secured a memorable 72-run victory against Zimbabwe in the decisive second Test, claiming the two-match series 1-0 after the first Test ended in a high-scoring draw. This triumph marks Afghanistan’s first-ever multi-match bilateral Test series win and adds to a streak of trophies they have collected across formats in recent months.

Rashid Khan, dressed in Afghanistan’s team jacket and cap, receives the "Player of the Match" award from an official. He is holding a ceremonial cheque for $300 in recognition of his outstanding performance in the second Test against Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan’s cricket sensation Rashid Khan receives the “Player of the Match” award after an exceptional all-round performance in the second Test against Zimbabwe. Rashid scored 48 runs across both innings and claimed 11 wickets, including a career-best 7 for 66 in the second innings, guiding Afghanistan to a memorable victory. (Photo: Afghanistan Cricket Board)

Rashid Khan’s Magnificent 11-Wicket Haul

Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan spearheaded the Afghan bowling attack, finishing with a match haul of 11 for 160, including career-best figures of 7 for 66 in the second innings. After grabbing 4 for 94 in Zimbabwe’s first innings, Rashid returned on the final morning to claim the last two wickets within the first 15 deliveries, sealing the historic victory. His overall brilliance earned him the Player of the Match honor.

“It was tough for me to return to Test cricket after a three-year gap and with back pain,” Rashid said. “I’m delighted to contribute to this memorable win for my team.”

Rahmat Shah Receives "Player of the Series" Award
Afghanistan’s star batsman Rahmat Shah receives the “Player of the Series” award after his outstanding performance against Zimbabwe in the two-Test series. Rahmat scored an impressive 392 runs at an average of 136.66, including a double century and a century, showcasing his brilliance with the bat. (Photo: Afghanistan Cricket Board)

Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam Rescue the Innings

Afghanistan’s batting had stumbled in their first innings, getting bowled out for 157 in reply to Zimbabwe’s 243. However, the visitors mounted a remarkable comeback in the second innings, posting 363 to set Zimbabwe a target of 278.

  • Rahmat Shah (139) played a pivotal knock, facing 275 deliveries and steadying the ship when Afghanistan was precariously placed at 69 for 5. This was Rahmat’s third Test century, and he now leads the chart for most Test hundreds by an Afghan batter.
  • Debutant Ismat Alam (101) joined forces with Rahmat for a crucial 132-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Alam’s fluent hundred showcased his talent on cricket’s biggest stage, especially after getting out for a duck in the first innings.
Afghan cricket players stand together on the field, proudly holding the winners' trophy after their Test series victory against Zimbabwe.
Afghanistan’s national cricket team poses with the trophy after defeating Zimbabwe in the Test series. The players showcased exceptional teamwork and skill, securing their first multi-format series win on Zimbabwean soil. (Photo: Afghanistan Cricket Board)

Final-Day Drama

Zimbabwe began the fifth morning needing 73 runs to overhaul Afghanistan’s lead, with only two wickets in hand. Rashid wasted no time:

  1. He first forced an error from nightwatchman Richard Ngarava, who was run out following a direct hit after a miscommunication with Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine.
  2. Moments later, Rashid trapped Ervine lbw as he attempted a sweep, ending Zimbabwe’s resistance at 205.

Notable Feats and Series Recap

  • Afghanistan’s victory ensured they continued their streak of series wins across formats, adding another trophy to their cabinet.
  • Rashid Khan became the first Afghan bowler to bag a 10-wicket match haul in Test cricket and the only one to claim seven wickets in a Test innings.
  • This series saw Afghanistan’s top-order mainstays, such as Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, continue their prolific run while newcomers like Ismat Alam announced themselves in style.
  • The 1-0 series result follows Afghanistan’s earlier triumphs in T20I and ODI series against Zimbabwe on this tour, reflecting the team’s growing stature in international cricket.

Score Summary

  • Afghanistan 157 (Rashid 25, Raza 3-30) & 363 (Rahmat 139, Alam 101, Muzarabani 6-95)
  • Zimbabwe 243 (Ervine 75, Raza 61, Rashid 4-94) & 205 (Ervine 53, Rashid 7-66, Zia 2-44)

Result: Afghanistan won by 72 runs to clinch the two-match Test series 1-0.

Afghanistan now departs Zimbabwe with the satisfaction of completing a clean sweep across three formats, illustrating the nation’s steady progress in international cricket.

The Afghanistan cricket team poses with the winners' trophy and a red "Winners" banner after their clean sweep in the T20I, ODI, and Test series against Zimbabwe.
The Afghanistan cricket team proudly poses with the trophy after wrapping up a successful tour of Zimbabwe, where they claimed the T20I, ODI, and Test series titles. The players’ consistent efforts across all formats highlight their strong form. (Photo: Afghanistan Cricket Board)
The Afghanistan cricket team poses with the winners' trophy and a red "Winners" banner after their clean sweep in the T20I, ODI, and Test series against Zimbabwe.
The Afghanistan cricket team celebrates their triumphant Test series win in Zimbabwe, completing a clean sweep of the tour by also securing victories in the T20I and ODI series. Their remarkable performances across all formats underline their dominance and growth in international cricket. (Photo: Afghanistan Cricket Board)

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