The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan debutant Ziaur Rahman produced a sensational seven-wicket haul on Wednesday to bring his team back into contention against Zimbabwe on Day 2 of their one-off Test in Harare.
Rahman’s 7-for marked the second-best innings figures ever
recorded by an Afghan bowler in Test cricket, behind only Rashid Khan. His
stunning spell dismantled Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order after the hosts had
appeared in control earlier in the day.
Zimbabwe pushed their total past 300 to lead by 175 during a
gritty second session, but Afghanistan’s bowlers struck key blows just before
the tea break. Spinner Sharafuddin Ashraf removed the set Sikandar Raza for 65
to break a stubborn stand, while Ismat Alam dismissed Ben Curran lbw in the
final over of the session to give Afghanistan a crucial wicket.
Earlier, Zimbabwe endured a turbulent but ultimately
productive first session, reaching 214 for four to build an 87-run lead.
Afghanistan struck early, with Rahman claiming the key wicket of Brendan
Taylor, before Alam picked up his maiden Test scalp by removing Craig Ervine.
Raza and Curran steadied Zimbabwe with a patient 49-run
partnership before Afghanistan regained momentum through Rahman’s incisive
bowling.
The young pacer’s seven-wicket performance now ranks among
the standout individual displays in Afghanistan’s short but spirited Test
history.
