ZIM vs AFG Match Preview - 2nd Test, Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25

After the run fest in the first Test, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan will be taking on each other in a Test match once again this week. The second and final Test of the ongoing ZIM vs AFG series will be played from Thursday (January 2) at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

The ZIM vs AFG first game ended in a high-scoring draw. As many as six batters registered triple-digit scores in the match. Batting first, Zimbabwe scored 586 runs with Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett scoring centuries.

In reply, Afghanistan scored 699 runs thanks to double-centuries from Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah. Wicketkeeper-batsman Afsar Zazai scored a century as well.

When the game was eventually declared a draw, Zimbabwe were on 142/4 in the second innings. Both the teams will now be eyeing a better bowling display in the second ZIM vs AFG Test. Ahead of the game, here is the preview.

ZIM vs AFG Match Preview - 2nd Test, Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2024-25:

ZIM vs AFG 2nd Test, Date and Venue:

The second ZIM vs AFG Test is scheduled to be played from Thursday (January 2). The venue for the game is Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.

Squads:

Zimbabwe:

Craig Ervine (captain), Ben Curran, Brian Bennett, Johnathan Campbell, Takudzwa Chataira, Joylord Gumbie, Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Tadiwanashe Marumani, Brandon Mavuta, Nyasha Mayavo, Blessing Muzarabani, Dion Myers, Richard Ngarava, Newman Nyamhuri, Sikandar Raza, Sean Williams

Afghanistan:

Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah (VC), Ikram Alikhail (WK), Afsar Zazai (WK), Riaz Hassan, Sediqullah Atal, Zahir Khan, Zia Ur Rehman Akbar, Zahir Shehzad, Rashid Khan, Abdul Malik, Baheer Shah Mahboob, Ismat Alam, Azmatullah Omarzai, Yamin Ahmadzai, Bashir Ahmad Afghan, Naveed Zadran, Fareed Ahmad Malik, and AM Ghazanfar.

ZIM vs AFG Key Battles

Sean Williams vs Rashid Khan:

Sean Williams extended his brilliant Test record against Afghanistan. The southpaw scored 154 runs in the first innings before scoring a crucial 35 not out in the second innings that helped Zimbabwe recover from a precarious position.

The century was Williams' third in three Tests against Afghanistan. With form as well as past record on his side, Williams will be eyeing another strong display against Afghanistan in the second Test.

Afghanistan will be well aware of the threat possessed by Williams and will be relying on their star spinner Rashid Khan to stop the Zimbabwe star. Rashid missed the first Test due to personal reasons but is expected to play the upcoming game.

Hashmatullah Shahidi vs Blessing Muzarabani:

Hashmatullah Shahidi led his team from the front in the first Test. After Zimbabwe piled up 586 runs in the first innings, Afghanistan needed their captain to play a good knock and he did not disappoint. The southpaw top-scored for his side, scoring 246 runs while sharing a record 364-run stand with Rahmat Shah.

It was Shahidi's second double-century in Tests against Zimbabwe. The Afghanistan captain will be looking to further bolster his record against the African outfit. And Zimbabwe will be relying on Blessing Muzarabani to get rid of the Afghanistan captain. Muzarabani is one of the most experienced players in the Zimbabwe team and will be looking to deliver for his side.

Sediqullah Atal vs Trevor Gwandu:

Even though Sediqullah Atal failed to get going in the first Test, he is a big threat for Zimbabwe. The Afghanistan opener enjoyed a fine outing in the ODI series, scoring 104 and 52.

He will be looking to give his team a good start in the second Test as well. And Zimbabwe will be hoping that they manage to keep the Afghan opener silent in the upcoming game as well. Trevor Gwandu dismissed Atal for only 3 runs in the first Test and will be looking to win his duel against him once again.

ZIM vs AFG Key Players

ZIM - Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett, Ben Curran and Trevor Gwandu will be the key players for Zimbabwe.

AFG - Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmat Shah, AM Ghazanfar and Rashid Khan will be the key players for Afghanistan.

Conclusion:

After the run fest in the first Test, both the teams will be hoping for a better bowling display in the upcoming game. The Test will also give both the teams an opportunity to seal a historic series win.