Naseer’s Four-for Checks Zimbabwe After Kaia and Taylor Near Hundreds

Left-arm spinner Naseer Khan Maroofkhil halted Zimbabwe’s early dominance with four wickets as Afghanistan fought back to leave the tourists on 250 for five at stumps on the opening day of the second Test on Friday.

Zimbabwe appeared on course for a massive first-innings total after reaching 200 for one, but Afghanistan hit back strongly in the final session, claiming four wickets for 47 runs to pull themselves back into the contest.

Brendan Taylor, fresh from scores of 131 and 82 in the drawn first Test, anchored the innings and remained unbeaten on 96 from 163 deliveries at the close. He will resume on day two alongside Tafadzwa Tsiga, who is two not out.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Zimbabwe enjoyed a productive opening two sessions. Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran provided a solid platform, taking the visitors to 98 without loss at lunch.

The pair continued to frustrate Afghanistan’s bowlers during the afternoon session as Zimbabwe advanced to 187 for one at tea, having added 89 runs for the loss of just one wicket.

Kaia looked set for his second Test century before falling agonisingly short. He was trapped lbw by Naseer for 96