Naseer’s Seven-For and Muzarabani’s Triple Strike Share Day Two Honours

AFGHANISTAN spinner Naseer Khan Maroofkhil and Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani dominated proceedings on the second day of the second Test as the hosts reached 159 for six at stumps, still 180 runs behind Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 339.

Naseer completed a marathon spell to finish with seven wickets for 151 runs from 44 overs, spearheading Afghanistan’s fightback after Zimbabwe resumed on 250 for five. The left-arm spinner claimed the key wicket of Brendan Taylor, who converted his overnight score into a superb 119 to register his eighth Test century before being trapped lbw. Naseer also struck twice in successive deliveries late in the innings, removing Graeme Cremer and Vincent Masekesa as Zimbabwe were eventually dismissed for 339. Brad Evans provided useful lower-order resistance with an unbeaten 32.

Taylor’s century ensured Zimbabwe added 89 runs to their overnight total, but Afghanistan’s bowlers prevented the tourists from building the imposing first-innings score they had threatened to post at the end of the opening day.

Zimbabwe’s pace and spin combination then made early inroads into Afghanistan’s reply. Muzarabani led the charge with figures of three for 31, dismissing opener Sediqullah Atal, captain Rahmat Shah and wicketkeeper Ikram Alikhil. His disciplined spell left Afghanistan under pressure for much of the innings.

Spinner Vincent Masekesa also played a key role, taking two for 47. He removed both Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Hashmatullah Shahidi as Zimbabwe tightened their grip on the contest. Brad Evans chipped in with the wicket of Abdul Malik to leave Afghanistan six down before the close.

Despite the steady stream of wickets, Afghanistan avoided a complete collapse thanks to Afsar Zazai, who remained unbeaten on 33 at stumps. Naseer, after his seven-wicket haul earlier in the day, was still at the crease on three not out.

With Afghanistan trailing by 180 runs and holding four wickets in hand, the third day’s opening session could prove decisive. Zimbabwe will be aiming to wrap up the tail quickly and secure a sizeable first-innings advantage when play resumes at 8am CAT.