Sat Jan 04 07:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Zimbabwe Bowlers Shine as Afghanistan Falter in Bulawayo Test
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe** – Veteran Sikandar Raza and teenage sensation Newman Nyamhuri spearheaded Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, dismissing Afghanistan for a paltry 157 runs on the rain-delayed first day of the second Test in Bulawayo. The impressive performance came after a four-hour delay due to a wet outfield at Queens Sports Club.
Winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine opted to bowl first, a gamble that paid off handsomely. Raza and Nyamhuri each claimed three wickets, effectively neutralizing the Afghan batting lineup which had dominated the drawn first Test. Ervine stated that he believed the damp conditions would favor his bowlers, a prediction that proved accurate.
The Afghan batsmen, who had previously showcased impressive form, struggled against the Zimbabwean attack. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, who had compiled double centuries in the first Test, managed only 13 and 19 runs respectively in this encounter. Nyamhuri dismissed Shahidi leg before wicket, while Raza accounted for Shah. While Rashid Khan briefly threatened a revival with a quick 25, his dismissal left Afghanistan reeling. A late stand between Zia-ur-Rehman and Fareed Ahmad added a small boost to the total, but ultimately, Afghanistan were bowled out for 157 in 44.3 overs.
Zimbabwe ended the day on 6-0 after just 3 overs, setting the stage for a potentially decisive second day’s play.
First Piper 