Afghanistan secures historic Test series win over Zimbabwe in Bulawayo

Afghanistan secured a memorable 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second Test in Bulawayo, clinching the two-match series 1-0. The hero of the match was Rashid Khan, who delivered a stunning performance with the ball, taking 11 wickets in the game, including career-best figures of 7 for 66 in the second innings.  

Zimbabwe started the final day needing 73 runs with two wickets in hand. All hopes were pinned on their captain, Craig Ervine, who resumed on 53. However, Afghanistan only needed 15 deliveries to seal the win.  

Rashid wasted no time, targeting Zimbabwe's No. 10, Richard Ngarava. Ngarava tried to slice a delivery but skied it towards silly point. Despite a dropped catch by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ngarava didn’t last long. He was run out shortly after when Ervine attempted a risky single, leaving Ngarava stranded and well short of his crease.  

Last man Blessing Muzarabani held his ground briefly, but Rashid struck again. He bowled a full delivery that turned sharply, trapping Ervine in front of the stumps. Although the decision looked marginal, there was no DRS, and the umpire raised his finger, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Afghan team.  

The victory was set up by brilliant centuries from Rahmat Shah (139) and debutant Ismat Alam (101) in the second innings. Their partnership helped Afghanistan recover from an 86-run deficit after the first innings. Rashid also contributed with the bat, scoring 25 and 23 in the match, which proved vital.  

Afghanistan’s win capped a successful tour, with the team also winning the series in all three formats against Zimbabwe. This match added to Rashid’s legacy, as he has been instrumental in Afghanistan’s Test victories in Dehradun, Chattogram, Abu Dhabi, and now Bulawayo.