Afghanistan pulled off a thrilling victory over Zimbabwe, winning their first-ever Test series against the hosts with a 72-run win at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This achievement marks Afghanistan’s progress since being granted Test status back in 2018, showcasing their growth on the international stage.
Rashid Khan, Afghanistan's veteran leg-spinner, played a pivotal role, claiming seven wickets for 66 runs, which stands as his career-best figures. His performance, which also includes his impressive match haul of 11 wickets for 160 runs, cemented his status as one of the premier bowlers of the current cricketing era. This feat made him the obvious choice for the Player of the Match award.
The second Test concluded on January 6, 2024, following a gripping chase for Afghanistan. After conceding a first-innings lead of 86 runs, they faced the monumental task of not only recovering from the deficit but also setting a credible target for Zimbabwe. The batting duo of Rahmat Shah and debutant Ismat Alam rose to the occasion, both scoring centuries and propelling Afghanistan to 363 runs in their second innings. Shah’s 139 runs and Alam’s superb 101 significantly turned the game around, setting Zimbabwe a target of 278 for victory.
Zimbabwe started their innings with hopes high as they built upon the lead after the first innings where they scored 243. Captain Craig Ervine, who scored 53 runs, was the standout performer for the home side. Yet, from the moment Ervine was trapped leg before wicket by Rashid Khan, it became evident how challenging their task was on the deteriorated pitch. Zimbabwe faltered to 205 all out, proving unable to build enough partnerships to chase down the steep total.
Rashid Khan's performance not only helped seal the match but also highlighted the resilience and determination of the Afghan side. "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..." Khan expressed, acknowledging the collective effort of his teammates. His recovery from back surgery made the accomplishment of taking 11 wickets all the more gratifying.
This series was pivotal for Afghanistan, coming as their first Test win since 2021 and their fourth overall since achieving full Test status. The previous victory came against the same opponents, Zimbabwe, back when the match was held in Abu Dhabi.
Ashwin's emphasis on adaptability shone through here as Rashid noted, "The way they performed second time round got us back..." illustrating not only the strategic flipping of the match dynamics but also the tenacity seen from the Afghan players after the initial struggles. Rahmat Shah, with his stellar performance, also became the Player of the Series, solidifying Afghanistan's batting strength.
Reflecting on this momentous occasion, Rashid Khan’s performance and the contributions from other players like Shah and Alam encapsulate the coming-of-age story of Afghanistan cricket. The victory symbolizes hope for cricket fans back home, marking the team’s entry onto the world stage not just as participants, but as potential victors.
With this series win, Afghanistan’s cricket team has made history, proving they are no longer underdogs but serious contenders on the international arena. The match served as yet another step forward for the players, their administration, and the nation, and it's safe to say fans will be eagerly watching how the team evolves from here, especially with the upcoming matches on international schedules.