Afghanistan has secured significant momentum going forward as they recently completed their ODI series against Zimbabwe with dominant performances and are now poised to make headlines yet again as the teams gear up for their upcoming Test series.
The tour kicked off with the one-day international leg, wherein Afghanistan clinched the series with aplomb, winning two out of three matches, including the decisive third ODI on December 21, 2024. Teenage sensation AM Ghazanfar starred for the visitors, taking five wickets for just 33 runs, helping Afghanistan dismiss Zimbabwe for 127 runs at the iconic Harare Sports Club.
Electing to field first, Afghanistan made quick work of Zimbabwe’s fragile batting lineup, showcasing depth and skill as they capitalized on early wickets. Ghazanfar’s remarkable five-wicket haul not only highlighted his talent but also set the tone for the match, supported by notable contributions from veteran bowler Rashid Khan, who added three wickets of his own, finishing with figures of 3 for 38.
Zimbabwe did show some resilience compared to their previous match, where they registered just 54 runs—an abysmal performance. Sean Williams led from the front this time around, countering the turmoil with 60 runs, but with little assistance, the total was nowhere near challenging.
Chasing 128 runs, Afghanistan, under the leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi, cruised to victory with relative ease, losing just two wickets and completing the task within 26.5 overs. Opener Sediqullah Atal made a solid contribution, scoring 52 from 50 deliveries, after having earlier impressed with 104 runs in the second ODI.
This decisive victory culminated the ODI series at 2-0 for Afghanistan, with the first match washed out due to rain. The series was significant not only for its outcome but also as both teams prepared to shift their focus to the Test format, which promises to be another exhilarating chapter of this tour.
The Test series is set to commence on December 26, 2024, with both teams seeking to establish supremacy over one another. The matches will be hosted at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, marking Zimbabwe's first Boxing Day Test at home since 1996 and just their fourth overall.
Zimbabwe's captain Craig Ervine will lead his team, which shows promise and experience, bolstered by the likes of Sikandar Raza and Sean Williams, who have been stalwarts of their batting line-up. On the other hand, Afghanistan will look to carry the momentum from their ODI triumph, spearheaded by veterans like Rashid Khan and Rahmat Shah, alongside the youthful exuberance of Ghazanfar.
Statistics indicate Afghanistan's Test squad will look to improve on their prior performances, having won just three of their nine Tests since their inaugural stint in the format. The side is comprised of key figures, including Rahmat Shah as their leading run-scorer and Hashmatullah Shahidi, highlighting the balance of industry and flair they bring to the pitch.
Looking back, historical encounters between the two sides show equal footing, with each having won one Test encounter out of two played previously, providing additional intrigue as they face off for yet another installment.
This upcoming series not only holds significance for the teams involved but also for cricket fans who can anticipate historic milestones, especially considering Afghanistan will be playing their first Test on Zimbabwean soil. Following the conclusion of the ODI framework, expectations run high for what fans hope will be thrilling contests.
Fans will have the opportunity to follow the action live with both Tests streamed on the FanCode app, even as anticipation brews over the level of competition and sportsmanship expected between the two nations, which continue to develop within the cricket arena.
With key players on both sides eager to showcase their abilities, the Zimbabwean pitches could provide the battleground for memorable performances and pivotal moments for cricket’s growing narrative in these regions.
Indeed, all eyes will be set on the forthcoming matches as cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the display of skills, tactics, and perhaps even some breathtaking cricketing feats.
