Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), January 6: A stunning seven-wicket spell from leg-spinner Rashid Khan helped Afghanistan secure a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second and final Test match at Queens Sports Club on Monday. With this win, Afghanistan claimed the two-match series 1-0.
Rashid was named Player of the Match for his match-winning performance, while Rahmat Shah was awarded Player of the Series for his stellar batting, which included a double century in the first Test.
Zimbabwe, set a challenging target of 277 runs, were bowled out for 205. The highest scorer for the hosts was captain Craig Ervine, who made 53 runs, supported by Sikandar Raza (38), Ben Curran (38), Takudzwanshe Kaitano (21), Sean Williams (16), and Joylord Gumbie (15). However, their efforts fell short as Afghanistan clinched victory.
Rashid Khan was the star with the ball, taking 7 wickets for 66 runs in 27.3 overs. Zia-Ur-Rehman provided valuable support, picking up 2 wickets for 44 runs in 15 overs.
Earlier, Afghanistan posted 363 in their second innings, thanks to vital contributions from Rahmat Shah, who scored 139 runs off 275 balls, and Ismat Alam, who made 101 runs from 181 balls.
For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani was the standout bowler, taking 6 wickets for 95 runs in 29 overs. Richard Ngarava and Sikandar Raza also picked up wickets.
Brief Score:
Afghanistan 157 & 363 all out (Rahmat Shah 139, Ismat Alam 101, Blessing Muzarabani 6/95)
Zimbabwe 243 & 205 all out (Craig Ervine 53, Sikandar Raza 38, Rashid Khan 7/66).