Mon Jan 06 10:52:59 UTC 2025: ## Afghanistan Clinches Test Series Victory Over Zimbabwe Thanks to Rashid Khan’s 11-Wicket Haul
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe** – Afghanistan secured a resounding 1-0 series victory over Zimbabwe after a dominant performance in the second Test at the Queens Sports Club. Star leg-spinner Rashid Khan spearheaded the win, claiming an impressive 11 wickets in the match, including a seven-wicket haul in the second innings.
Zimbabwe, resuming their second innings on 197/8, were bowled out for 205, falling short of their target by 72 runs. The final two wickets tumbled in just 13 minutes, with Richard Ngarava run out for three and captain Craig Ervine (53) trapped leg before wicket by Rashid. The Afghan spinner’s performance overshadowed even his own achievements, as he lauded the contributions of centurions Rahmat Shah (139, Player of the Series) and debutant Ismat Alam (101).
Shah and Alam’s crucial second-innings centuries helped Afghanistan overcome an 86-run deficit from the first innings. Despite his own impressive feat, Rashid deflected praise towards his teammates, highlighting Alam’s resilience after a first-innings duck and his own recovery from back surgery.
The first Test between the two nations ended in a draw. This victory marks Afghanistan’s fourth Test win since gaining Test status in 2017, their second against Zimbabwe. The series win underscores Afghanistan’s growing strength in Test cricket.
First Piper 