Speed Post News Network
Patna : Zimbabwe crushed Afghanistan by 10 wickets inside two days in the 1st test at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE, on March 3, 2021, to lead the two-match test series 1-0. Set a target of 17 runs, Zimbabwe openers : Prince Masvaure and Kevin Kasuza, romped home in just 3.2 overs. Kasuza remained unbeaten on 11 with 2 fours while Masvaure remained 5 not out. Afghanistan had won the toss and elected to bat. Zimbabwe captain Sean Williams was named Player Of The Match. Just few days back, the 3rd test between India and England had also ended in 2 days.
Zimbabwe fast bowlers : Blessing Muzarabani, Victor Nyauchi, and Donald Tiripano, dominated the match which ended close to the end of third session of play on Day 2. Afghanistan were all out for just 131 runs in 47 overs in their first innings with Muzarabani taking four wickets, Victor Nyauchi taking 3 wickets, and Tiripano taking 1 wicket.
Zimbabwi scored 250 runs in their 1st innings with captain Sean Williams scoring 105 in 174 balls with 10 fours, his 3rd test century, while Regis Chakabva scored 44 in 71 balls hitting 6 fours and 1 six. Sikandar Raza scored 43 in 62 balls hitting 5 fours. Afghanistan leg spinner Amir Hamza took 6/75 in 25 overs.
Zimbabwe taking a vital 119 runs first innings lead notwithstanding, Afghanistan batsmen did not apply themselves well in 2nd innings too and folded up for 135 in 45.3 overs with opener Ibrahim Zadran scoring 76 in 145 balls hitting 10 fours. Afghanistan were reduced to 21/5 after 10.4 overs in their second innings but Zadran batted beautifully to take the score to 135. Tiripano and Nyauchi took 3 wickets each while Muzarabani took 2 wickets. Captain Sean Williams and Ryan Burl took one wicket each.
Muzarabani and Nyauchi took 6 wickets each in the match while Tiripano took 4 wickets. Sean Williams took 2 wickets in the match besides scoring his 3rd test ton.