Afghanistan secured its first-ever bilateral Test series win by defeating Zimbabwe 1-0 on January 6, 2025, at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This historic victory marked Afghanistan’s fourth win since attaining Test status in 2017, showcasing their growing prowess on the international cricket stage.
The second Test concluded dramatically, with Afghanistan winning by 72 runs. Rashid Khan emerged as the standout performer, taking seven wickets for 66 runs, contributing significantly to the match's outcome. The victory came on the final day of the match, where Zimbabwe, requiring 278 runs to win, was bowled out for just 205, failing to capitalize on their overnight position.
Following Zimbabwe's decision to bowl first after winning the toss, Afghanistan initially struggled, collapsing for 157 runs. Rashid Khan provided valuable contributions with the bat, scoring 25 runs and aiding his teammates to reclaim control during their second innings. The game, particularly on Day 5, was filled with tension as Zimbabwe began their innings requiring 279 runs for victory.
On the second day, Zimbabwe had started positively, with their opener, Craig Ervine, leading with determination. Ervine scored 53 runs but fell victim to Rashid's leg-spin, which had already claimed significant wickets throughout the match. The last two wickets fell within moments of each other, with Ervine caught up in a disastrous run out with Richard Ngarava, turning the tide dramatically.
Rashid's exceptional bowling performance also stripped Zimbabwe of their momentum. His skill, particularly as he picked up the last few wickets needed for victory, demonstrated not just his ability but also his experience, having been part of the Afghan setup since their ascent to Test cricket.
Before the dramatic finale, the match included some tense moments. On the fifth morning, with Rashid bowling, Ngarava was close to being dismissed, but his catch was dropped earlier by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, adding to the suspense. The situation escalated when Ervine was eventually trapped leg before wicket, which was near the conclusion of his innings and the match.
Despite the early collapse and lack of runs during their first innings, Afghanistan staged a remarkable comeback. The second innings saw standout performances from Rahmat Shah and debutant Ismat Alam, both scoring centuries and helping Afghanistan amass 363 runs. Their partnership proved pivotal as Afghanistan set Zimbabwe a steep chase.
Post-match, Rashid Khan expressed gratitude for the win, attributing the success to teamwork and personal struggle after recovering from injury. “Thanks to the almighty for the performance, it was hard for me to play Test cricket after the back injury, it was a team effort...,” he noted during his Player of the Match acceptance speech.
Rashid elaborated on his strategy for the game, stating, “I just want to keep it simple...the length was very important...just keep bowling in the channel and keep up the pressure.” His insights reflect the mindset behind Afghanistan's tactical play amid the pressure of the match.
This victory not only marks Afghanistan’s success against Zimbabwe but also highlights their progress and capability to compete at higher levels within international cricket. Fans and analysts alike have taken notice of how far the team has come since their entry as Test-playing nation, with Rashid Khan at the forefront of this development.
Following this series win, Afghanistan made headlines for performances across formats against Zimbabwe, reinforcing their position within the cricketing community and setting the bar for the future. The characters of teamwork, resilience, and strategic play shone through their matches, exemplifying what Afghanistan cricket is capable of achieving.
Overall, Afghanistan’s historic Test series victory over Zimbabwe has paved the way for increased respect and recognition within the cricketing fraternity, showcasing their dedication and skill as they venture forward on the international stage. Though significant work remains, starting this new chapter with such triumph establishes their intent to build upon this achievement.