Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, AFG in ZIM, 2 Tests, 2024/25 Full score card

On the stumps. Played back to the bowler.

On middle. This is nudged on the leg side for one.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to mid off.

On middle. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Outside off. This is guided to point.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. This is worked to mid on.

Well bowled! Length and around off. This moves away after landing. Erving is beaten as he looks to push at it.

Fuller and on middle. This is pushed to mid on.

Around off. Williams drives it wide of mid off for one.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Fuller and on middle. This is driven down the ground. Mid on gives it a chase. Three.

Outside off. Not played at.

Angling away from the off pole. Ervine looks to push at it but is beaten.

Around off. Blocked.

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

FOUR! Runs leaking with the second new ball here! On the pads yet again. This is clipped through square leg. No chance of stopping that.

Fuller and on off. Williams drives it but to mid off.

On middle. This is tucked through mid-wicket for one.

Two! On middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket. Two taken.

Outside off. Williams guides it past point for two.

Around off. Length. Defended.

FOUR LEG BYES! On the pads. Williams looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and goes down to the fine leg fence.

Two again! A little too leg side again. This is clipped through square leg. Two.

This is angled away from off. Left alone.

FOUR! Clipped away! Easy. On middle. Fuller. This is worked through square leg. Boundary.

Around off. Good length again. This is pushed to cover.

On the stumps. Defended.

On middle. Ervine defends it.

Three! On the pads. Williams flicks it through mid-wicket. Three taken.

On middle. This is tucked in the leg side.

Around off. Tossed up. Blocked.

Outside off. Williams looks to cut but misses.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

UP GOES THE FINGER! Williams can't believe he has been given! HOLD ON! It is a no ball. Khan has overstepped! This is tossed up around off. Williams looks to play the reverse sweep. It goes straight to first slip. An appeal and it is given. It though is a no ball! Williams continues.

Beaten! Slows it up and lands it around off. Williams looks to defend but is beaten by the turn.

Way too short and outside off. This is slapped past cover for one.

On middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

FOUR MORE! It's way too easy at the moment! On middle. This is swept hard through square leg and it races away.

On middle. Defended.

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Tossed up on off. This is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Cut away! Short and wide outside off. This is flayed past point. Boundary. Partnership now over 100.

Around off. Defended.

On middle. Blocked.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Fuller and on off. This is driven down to long off for one.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

Flat and around off, Ervine leans and blocks it out.

An arm ball on middle, Williams turns it to long on for one more.

Flat and around off, Ervine punches it to long on for a single.

Outside off, Ervine punches it to cover.

Angles it full and on off, Ervine blocks.

Flights it full and outside off, Williams plays it to long on for one.

Another dot! Too full and outside off. Ervine keeps it out.

Flatter and around off, Ervine presses forward and defends.

Flat and angling on off, Williams knocks it to point for a single.

On middle, Williams defends on the front foot.

Tossed up full and around off, Williams leans and defends close to his pads.

Arm ball, full and on off, Ervine pushes it to covers for a single.

Slightly short and outside off, Williams looks to cut but misses.

On middle, this is drilled to long on for a single.

Pace off delivery, flat and outside off, Williams slaps it to point for one.

Outside off, Ervine knocks it to cover for a single.

Too full and on middle, Ervine plays it back to the bowler.

Shorter and outside off, Williams cuts it to point for a single.

Fuller delivery on middle, Ervine goes back and defends under his eyes.

Flatter and on middle, Ervine punches it back to the bowler.

Tossed up on off, this is pushed to cover.

Another single as Williams plays it down to long on.

Flat and on off, Ervine works it to long on for one more.

Full and on middle, Williams punches it to long on for a single

DRINKS! A fine hour for Zimbabwe who continue to progress in the right way. At this momentum, Zimbabwe could possibly look for a big score. The pitch is flat and not turning much for the tourists who are trying different spin options but to no avail.

On middle, Ervine blocks it back to the bowler.

Flat and on middle, this is punched to long on for one.

Flighted full on middle, Williams flicks on the up and to long on for a brace.

Too full and on off, Williams blocks it out.

Floated full on middle, Williams nudges it through square leg for a couple.

Fuller ball, outside off, Williams pushes it to cover.

Retains strike as this is pushed down to long off for one.

There it is! 100 for Williams. The crowd absolutely loves it. The local boy scores a fine ton. Gets there by sweeping this through square leg for two. He would now want to make it a big hundred.

Floats it up on off. Blocked.

FOUR MORE! Goes short again and outside off. Williams slaps this past cover and it goes to the fence. He moves onto 99!

Shorter and on off. This is punched past cover for one.

FOUR! That's a hit me ball! Short and on middle. Erving pulls it through mid-wicket and this races away to the fence.

On the pads. Williams nudges it fine on the leg side for two.

On middle. Blocked.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for two more.

On off. This is swept through square leg for two.

Outside off. Ervine looks to cut but misses.

On the pads. Williams works it through square leg for one.

Attacks the stumps. Kept out again.

Lands it right and on middle. Defended.

FOUR! A little too short and put away! On the pads. This is clipped through square leg.

On middle. Ervine leans forward and keeps it out.

Attacks the stumps. Kept out.

On off. This is punched past cover for one.

On off. This turns back in. Ervine looks to push it but it goes off the inner half to mid-wicket.

Around off. Blocked.

Angled into the pads. This is tucked to mid-wicket.

Slightly shorter and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Outside off. Left alone.

Drifts it on the pads. Williams looks to flick. It brushes the pads and rolls down to fine leg for two. Leg byes.

On the stumps. Kept out.

On middle. Defended.

On middle. Blocked.

Three! Shorter and on off. Ervine goes back and punches it past cover. Takes three.

Quicker and on off. Ervine punches it to covers.

Angled into middle. Williams defends.

On off. This is pushed to mid off.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Floats it up around off. This lands and spins away. Ervine looks to defend but is beaten.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

On middle. Kept out.

On off. Flatter. This is punched to cover.

Around off. Williams eases it to mid off and a run is taken.

On off. This is pushed to mid off for one.

Beaten! Flatter and outside off. Ervine looks to cut but is beaten.

On middle. This is nudged on the leg side for one.

Flatter and attacks the stumps. Williams punches it to cover.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Outside off. Slower. Ervine looks to sweep but misses.

Slower and on off. This lands and spins away. Ervine looks to defend but is beaten.

Around off. This is punched past cover for one.

On off. Ervine pushes it past cover for one.

Around off. Shortish. This is punched to cover.

On middle. Ervine pulls it through mid-wicket for one.

On middle. Ervine works it through square leg for two.

Three! Outside off. Williams cuts. It goes off the outside edge down to third man for three.

On middle. Blocked.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! Runs flowing! This is full and outside off. Ervine slaps it past cover and this races away to the fence.

SIX! That's some way to end the over! Productive one for the hosts. Williams steps out. Gets to the pitch of it and lofts it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

On middle. Defended.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Fuller and outside off. Ervine lofts it over cover and this gets to the fence in no time.

On off. Ervine lunges and defends.

A single to end the over as Ervine plays it to point.

Short and outside off, Williams cuts it to point for one.

Bowls outside off again. Williams jams it out back to the bowler.

Too full and around off, Williams drives it to cover.

Outside off, Ervine slaps it to point for a single.

Bowls it quicker full and around off, Williams jams it out off the toe end to third man for one. No, there was no bat. Byes it is.

A maiden by Malik! On off, fuller and Ervine pushes it back to Malik.

On middle, Ervine keeps it out.

Tossed up on off, Ervine leans and defends it out.

On middle, this is played back to the bowler.

Flat and on middle, Ervine pushes it to cover.

Serves it too full and around off, Ervine drives it to cover.

This one skids on down the leg side, it is left alone.

Too full and outside off, Williams knocks it to point.

Full and on off, Williams defends it to cover.

Well outside off, Williams shoulders arms to it.

Tight on the middle pole. Williams leans and blocks.

Tossed up, outside off, Williams knocks it to cover.

Serves it full and angling on leg. Ervine looks to sweep but misses.

Angles it full and on middle, Ervine defends it out.

On off, Ervine blocks it out.

FOUR! Freebie! Drops it short and on middle, Ervine pulls it through mid-wicket and it races to the fence.

Bowls it slower in the air, full and around off, Ervine looks to defend but outside edges it to first slip who collects on a bounce.

Full and on leg, Ervine paddles it to fine leg for a couple of runs.

Fuller delivery on off, Williams taps it wide of point and  takes two runs.

THREE! Fuller and on off, spins away. Ervine looks to push but edges it to third man and gets off the mark with three runs.

Outside off, it lands and turns back in sharply. Ervine watchfully blocks it out.

Shorter and on off, Williams pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Streaky! This is on off and it spins back in sharply. Williams looks to slog-sweep but bottom edges it through his legs and to fine leg.

Flat and outside off, Williams punches it to cover.

Too full and on middle, Ervine leans and tucks it on the leg side.

On middle, fuller and Ervine defends on the front foot.

Too full and on middle and leg. Ervine blocks it solidly.

On the pads, Ervine keeps it out

Flat and on middle, Ervine defends it out.

On middle, Williams sweeps it to square leg for a single.

Outside off and it spins away. Ervine looks to push it but misses.

Tossed up on middle and leg. Ervine defends it out.

Full and outside off, Ervine pushes it to cover.

Flat and on leg, Ervine misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but it was pitching down leg.

Craig Ervine is the new man in.

OUT! GONE! Soft, soft dismissal! Told you, AM Ghazanfar is going to have a big final session. Shorter and around off, skids on and stays low. Myers rocks back and away to punch it but plays it right back to AM Ghazanfar who makes no mistake.

Very full and on middle, Myers plays it back to the bowler.

On middle, Williams tucks it to square leg for a couple more.

Flat and outside off, Myers slaps it to covers for a single.

Very full and on off, Myers jams it out to cover.

On middle, this is blocked out.

This is full and around off, Myers steps across and defends it out.

Bowls it full and on middle, Myers prods and blocks.

Tad short and on middle, Williams pulls it to square leg for easy couple of runs.

Floated on off, spins in. Williams looks to defend but inside edges it onto the pads.

On middle, Myers drills it to long on for a single.

Flat and outside off, Williams strokes it to cover for a single.

Tossed up, outside off, Williams prods and defends it out.

On middle, Myers flicks it to square leg for a single.

AM Ghazanfar to bowl from the other end.

Plays with soft hands! Drops it short and on middle, Myers pulls it to square leg for a single.

Full and outside off, Myers knocks it to cover.

Flat and turning back in on off, Williams punches it to cover for one.

SIX! BANG! Floats it full and outside off, Williams lofts it high over long off for a biggie.

Flatter and around off, Williams prods and defends.

Fuller delivery, outside off, Williams leans and defends.

We are back for the final session. The players are out in the middle. Zahir Khan to bowl first. The groundsmen are getting ready as it might rain anytime now.

...DAY 1, SESSION 3...

Afghanistan will hope the overcast conditions could bring some joy for the seamers. They have lacked intensity so far and have relied much on spinners in second session. However, AM Ghazanfar didn't had much to do in the phase, he could have a big session ahead of himself as the ball had become soft and Afghanistan could hope their mystery spinner could do something. Can Afghanistan break this stand in the final session? Stay tuned.

Yet another session that belongs to Zimbabwe. The hosts have bossed Day 1 so far. Despite losing Curran in the final over before Lunch, Williams and Takudzwanashe Kaitano did well to stitch a big partnership and continue their merry way. The duo added 78 runs with Williams scoring a fifty while Kaitano missing by just four runs. Myers has done well to stitch another stand with Williams. Zimbabwe will hope they two end the day on a high.

Outside off. Left alone.

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Another bumper. Not a lot of bounce. Williams evades it.

On middle. Kept out.

A bumper. Williams ducks under it.

On middle. Shorter and slower. Williams looks to pull but is beaten.

Outside off. This is guided past point for two.

On the stumps. Defended.

On middle. Blocked.

Two! On off. This is driven past cover for two.

Outside off. This is guided past point. A run taken.

Outside off. This is guided past point. This is pushed to cover.

On the stumps. Defended.

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

On middle. Blocked.

Fullish and on off. Williams drives it past cover for two. Fifty for Williams. Lovely knock. He's batted with intent.

On the stumps. Blocked.

On off. Good length. Defended.

On the pads. Kept out.

On middle. Kept out.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Back of a length and on middle. Myers pushes it to mid on.

A stumping appeal and it is referred! The keeper is confident but HOLD ON... IT IS A NO BALL! Lovely nut. Tosses it up on off. It lands and spins away. Myers is beaten as he looks to defend. The keeper whips the bails off but Khan has overstepped.

FOUR! Hammered! A little too short and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket and this races away.

On middle. This is swept but to short fine leg.

Length and on off. Williams pushes it but to covers.

On the pads. Myers works it through square leg for one.

Outside off. Left alone.

Two! Angles it into the pads. Myers works it through square leg for two.

FOUR! Nicely played! Fuller and on off. Myers leans into it and drives it past cover. This races away to the fence. A touch of class in that shot.

Fuller and on middle. This is driven to mid on.

FOUR! Tad short and on middle, turns in. Williams rocks back and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary.

On off, this is driven to point for a single.

Flat and on off, it turns back in a long way. Myers goes back quickly and punches it to point.

On middle, Williams nudges it to mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted on off. Williams defends on the front foot.

Too full, floated on off, Myers drops it to point for one.

Bowls it short and on leg, Williams ducks under it.

Outside off, fuller and Williams knocks it to cover.

On the pads, Myers nudges it to square leg for a single.

Overcorrects and bowls it full and on leg, Myers misses his flick and gets hit on the pads.

A good length and on middle and it nips in. Myers looks to defend but misses. An appeal for LBW but turned down as it was going down.

Slants in a length ball on middle, Myers blocks.

Floats it full and outside off, Williams looks to push but misses it.

Half a chance! Too full and outside off, Myers leans to drive but edges it to the right of second slip who dives but it's well out of his reach.

FOUR! Overcompensates and goes very full, outside off, Myers drives it firmly through covers for a boundary.

Dion Myers walks in next.

OUT! GONE! Finally the breakthrough arrives! This is the one that turns away, full and outside off, Kaitano looks to drive but edges it to first slip where Sediqullah Atal takes over his head. Good catch.

Outside off, fuller and Williams drives it through covers for a single.

Flighted full and outside off, Williams defends it out.

Short in length and on middle, Kaitano pulls it to deep square leg for a couple.

Angles in a yorker on middle, Kaitano blocks it out.

Too straight full and on the pads. Kaitano flicks it to square leg for a couple of runs.

On a length and on off, Kaitano defends it out.

Well played! On middle, Kaitano strokes it through mid off for a couple of runs.

This is full and on off, shapes in. Kaitano pushes it back to Zadran.

Flighted full and outside off. Kaitano drives it to covers for a single.

Tossed up on middle, Kaitano prods and defends.

Floats it full and on middle, Kaitano sweeps but straight to short leg.

On off, Kaitano drives it to cover.

This is full and on off, Kaitano prods and blocks.

Flighted full and on middle, Kaitano defends it out.

FOUR! Glorious shot! Short of a length and outside off. Williams punches it through covers for a boundary.

This is full and on leg, Williams turns it to square leg.

On middle,  Williams blocks it out.

A good length ball on off, Williams defends it out.

Angled on the pads, Kaitano turns it to square leg for a single.

A huge shout for LBW but that was going down. Very full and on leg, Kaitano misses his fllick and gets hit on the pads.

A single to end the over as Kaitano eases it to long on.

Too full and on middle and leg Kaitano drills it to mid on.

On off, fuller and Kaitano leans and blocks it out.

Flatter and on off, Kaitano defends it out.

Fuller ball on middle, Kaitano turns it to short leg.

SIX! Floats it full and outside off. Kaitano slog-sweeps it over mid-wicket and it goes all the way for a biggie.

Hashmatullah Shahidi to roll his arms now.

FOUR! Welcome boundary! Shorter and outside off, Williams cuts it through point for a boundary. 150 up.

On a length and on off, Williams blocks it out.

Four dots now! Length ball, outside off, Williams knocks it to point.

Another dot! Too full and angling on off, Williams pushes it to point.

No run.

Full and on off, Williams drives it to mid off.

Very full and on middle, Kaitano keeps it out as he plays on the deck.

Tossed up on middle, Kaitano pushes it back to the bowler.

DRINKS! A halt in play as Kaitano seems to have injured his fingers while playing the last shot. Zimbabwe have done well so far ad would love to continue while Afghanistan will hope for a breakthrough.

Flatter and outside off, Kaitano slaps it to point.

Flatter and on off, Kaitano blocks it out.

Too full and on off, Sean Williams pushes it to mid off for a quick single.

Malik bowls it full and on middle, this is blocked out.

Too full and on off, Kaitano leans and defends.

On the pads and it spins in. Kaitano blocks.

Tossed up on middle, Kaitano presses forward and blocks.

Tad short and on off, Sean Williams pulls it to square leg for one.

This is full and on off, Sean Williams pushes it to the left of mid off for a couple.

Flat and outside ff, Kaitano cuts it to point for a single.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to mid off for one.

On middle. Kept out.

Shortish and on off. Williams pushes it past cover for one.

Two! On off. This is punched past cover for two.

On middle. Blocked.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. Defended.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

On middle. Williams nudges it around the corner for one.

A single now as this is tucked on the leg side.

On off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. Blocked.

Beaten again! This lands around off and spins away. Williams is beaten as he looks to defend.

On middle. Kept out.

Flatter and outside off. Williams looks to cut but is beaten.

Two more! On the stumps. This is swept through square leg for two.

Two! Goes short and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket. Two taken.

The sweep comes out. This is hit through square leg for one.

On the stumps. This is pushed to cover.

Outside off. Left alone.

On middle. Blocked.

On middle. Kaitano works it through mid-wicket for one.

On off. This is pushed past cover for one.

On middle. Blocked.

Around off. This is punched to cover.

On middle. Williams works it through square leg and takes one.

Around off. This is punched to cover.

Around off. Kaitano pushes it to covers.

FOUR! Nailed! On middle and the sweep is out. This is hit through square leg. Boundary.

On the stumps. Kept out.

Better! Drags his length back a little. Blocked.

SIX! He's got hold of that! On middle and Williams brings out the slog sweep. It was a little too full and he nails it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Slower and on off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. Defended.

Two! On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Flatter and on middle. Kaitano keeps it out.

On middle. Blocked.

FOUR! Hit hard! Brings out the slog sweep and this is nailed past mid-wicket. This one races away to the fence.

On the stumps. Kept out.

On middle. This is nudged around the corner for one.

Flatter and on middle. Williams leans forward and keeps it out.

On middle. This is punched but to cover.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

On the stumps. This is punched to cover.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. This is tucked on the leg side for one.

On the stumps. Defended well.

Outside off. This is guided through point for one.

Angled in on middle. Kept out.

Around off. This is punched to cover.

On the stumps. Defended.

On middle. This is played back to the bowler.

On middle. This is pushed to cover.

On the stumps. This is swept through square leg for one.

On middle. Defended.

Beaten! This lands on off and spins away. Kaitano is beaten as he looks to defend.

FOUR! Nicely played! Fuller and outside off. This is driven past cover and this races away to the fence.

A single now as this is pushed through covers.

Flatter and on the stumps. This is pushed to cover.

Around off. Kept out.

On the stumps. Blocked.

On middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

On middle. Williams pushes it to covers.

On middle. This is tucked on the leg side. A run taken.

Sligthly fuller. Williams drives but to mid off.

Flatter and around off. This is guided to point.

He has come out with intent! On middle. He gets the sweep out. This is hit through square leg. Three taken.

FOUR! Fine start for Williams! This is fuller and on off. He leans into it and drives it past cover. This races away to the fence. Off the mark in style.

We are back!

... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...

Afghanistan haven't been at their best in the field! The bowling hasn't been very disciplined too and they'll hope to do better after the break. There isn't much on offer from the wicket but they'll hope this wicket opens the floodgates. An important session awaits. Do join us after the break.

That wicket right at the end will make Afghanistan feel a lot better but Zimbabwe have done really well in this session! Their openers got them off to a good start before that stand was broken and then the 2nd wicket partnership continued the good work. Ben Curran looked in fine touch and he was the star. Just as it seemed they would enter the break only one down, AM Ghazanfar struck and got the better of Curran. Still though, Zimbabwe are in a decent position and they'll hope to continue the good work after the break!

OUT! BOWLED! Curran goes in the final over before Lunch! AM Ghazanfar gets a wicket on his debut! Flighted full and on middle and leg. Curran leans to defend but it goes through the gate and hits the stumps. LUNCH!

Flatter and angling down. Curran looks to pull but misses. He is imbalanced but stays inside his crease as the keeper clips the bails off.

Flatter and on middle, Curran gets low and defends.

An arm ball, full on middle, Kaitano blocks it out.

Flat and on middle, Kaitano goes back and blocks.

Tossed up on off, Kaitano looks to defend but splices it to point.

Floated full and around off, Kaitano prods and blocks.

Flighted on middle, Kaitano nudges it to short leg.

Bowls it very full and on off, Kaitano pushes it to cover.

Full and outside off, stays low and Curran blocks.

Slower in the air, flat and outside off, Curran taps it on the off side.

Well down the leg side, Curran looks to sweep but misses.

BEATEN! Flighted outside off and it turns in. Curran looks to push away from his body but misses.

Slows it up and bowls it full and on off, Curran prods and blocks.

AM Ghazanfar serves it full and on middle, Curran blocks.

Finds the gap! Flat and turning away outside off, Kaitano punches it to point for a couple of runs.

Bowls it full and on middle, spins in. Kaitano defends well.

Flighted full and on middle, Kaitano leans and blocks.

Too full and around off, Kaitano defends it out.

Flatter and on middle, Kaitano prods and blocks.

Fuller and on middle, Curran tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Outside off. Left alone.

On the pads. Curran nudges it to square leg for a single.

Angles away a length ball, outside off, Curran leaves.

Goes short this time and on the body. Evaded.

Tip and run! Around off. Kaitano pushes it towards cover and gets to the other end.

On middle. This is nudged to mid-wicket.

FOUR! 16 runs off the over! Zimbabwe on the front foot! Full and on leg, Curran sweeps it to fine leg for a boundary.

This is full and outside off, Curran leans and keeps it out.

FOUR! Hat trick of boundaries! Flatter and on middle and leg. Curran just helps it behind square leg for a boundary.

FOUR! Another one! Curran in fine form here! On middle, Curran gets on is knee and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

FOUR! Well played! Very full and on middle and leg. Curran sweeps it to deep square leg for a boundary.

Tossed up on middle, Curran blocks.

Length and on leg, Kaitano hangs back and blocks.

Another dot! Full and outside off, Kaitano leaves.

Hits the deck hard and bowls it outside off. Kaitano keeps it out.

Bangs it short and well outside off. Kaitano drops his wrists and lets it go.

Full and on off, Kaitano knocks it back to the bowler.

Length and outside off, Kaitano punches it to point. A mix up between the batters for a run but are safe in the end.

Fuller delivery on leg, Kaitano works it to mid on for a single.

Again this is straight and down leg. Kaitano leaves it alone.

Well down the leg side, Kaitano looks to sweep but misses.

Full again from Khan on off, Kaitano pushes it to cover.

On the pads and it was the leggie. Kaitano whips it past short leg and into deep square leg for two.

Too full and on off, Kaitano pushes it to mid off.

No maiden as they take a single. On the pads. Kaitano tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

FIve dots in a row! Outside off again and Kaitano offers no shot.

On a length and outside off, Kaitano leaves it alone.

This is full and on middle and leg. Kaitano defends.

A good length ball on middle, Kaitano hangs back and blocks.

This is full and outside off, Kaitano shoulders arms.

Flatter and slanting on the pads. Curran misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. An appeal for LBW but it is turned down.

Too full and on middle, Curran flicks it to deep mid-wicket. A misfield in the deep and they take two. An opener hitting a fifty on debut in Test cricket! We have already seen one today! Superb knock so far from Curran.

Tosses it up full and on off, Curran defends on the front foot.

Floats it full and outside off, Curran prods and defends it out.

Outside off, Curran cuts it to point.

FOUR! Uppish but safe! Flighted full and outside off, Curran leans to drive but outside edges it past backward point who chases after it and does the job but the replay shows his legs touched the ropes in the process.

Change! Zahir Khan is into the attack.

A good length ball, around off, Kaitano solidly blocks it out.

Short of a length and on middle, Curran pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Short of a length and on off, Curran hangs back and defends.

A good length ball, outside off, Curran prods and defends it.

Too full and around off, Curran defends it out.

Angles away a length ball, outside off, Curran leaves it alone.

Around off. Kept out.

On the stumps. Blocked.

On the stumps. This is worked to mid-wicket.

On off. Kaitano pushes it to cover.

On middle. This is tucked on the leg side for one.

Flatter and on middle. Curran stands tall and defends it.

Outside off. Left alone.

Around off. Curran pushes it past cover for one.

On middle. Kept out.

Outside off. Left alone.

On middle. Defended.

Around off. Blocked.

On middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

Angled into middle. This is pushed to cover.

Around off. Defended to cover.

On middle. Kaitano nudges it on the leg side and takes one.

Fuller and on off. This is driven to mid off.

On middle. Kept out.

FOUR! Pulled away! Short and on middle. This is hammered past mid-wicket. This races away to the fence.

Good length and around off. Curran stays back and defends it.

Two! On middle. Curran works it past square leg for two.

On middle. Blocked.

Well bowled! Length and around off. Angling away. Curran looks to push at it but is beaten.

On middle. Blocked.

On the stumps. Kaitano gets right behind the line and defends.

Flatter and on middle. Kaitano pushes it to cover.

FOUR! Lovely shot! A little too full and it is put away. This is driven past cover and this one races away to the fence.

Leg byes! Kaitano looks to sweep. This is on the pads. He misses. It flicks the pad and goes fine on the leg side. Two taken.

On middle. Kaitano works it to square leg.

Fuller and on middle. Kaitano plays it to mid on.

Around off. Length. This is punched to cover.

On middle. This is tucked in the leg side for one.

Outside off. Length. Left alone.

OUT! Edged and taken! Zadran strikes! He could have had a wicket earlier on but this time gets it. Length and on off. This lands and moves away. Gumbie looks to defend. This goes off the outside edge and it is taken by the keeper on the second attempt. Welcome wicket as the opening stand was going really well.

Around off. This is guided to point.

FOUR! Nicely played! Finds the gap brilliantly! Shorter and outside off. Gumbie guides it past point and this races away to the fence.

Just the one from the over! Angled into middle. Curran shows the full face of the bat and blocks.

Angled into the pads. Curran tucks it on the leg side and takes one.

Angled into the pads. Joylord works it to mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

Angled into middle. Gumbie plays it to mid on.

On the stumps. Blocked.

Flatter and on middle. Defended.

FOUR! Hammered! A little too short again. Curran rocks back and pulls it hard past mid-wicket. Boundary.

More runs! Curran is managing to score quickly! Short and on middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket. Two more.

Good length and around off. Curran guides it to point.

On the stumps. Kept out well.

Back of a length and on off. This is pushed to the cover region.

FOUR! Shot of the day so far! Beautiful! Fuller and on off. Curran shows the full face of the bat and then creams it down the ground. This runs away to the long off fence. Top stroke.

Angled into the pads. Gumbie tucks it to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on middle. This is pushed to cover.

Another run! On the stumps. Curran nudges it around the corner for one.

On the pads. Gumbie works it on the leg side and gets to the other end.

On the stumps this time.  Defended nicely.

Flatter and outside off. Left alone.

Fuller and on off. Curran pushes it to mid off. A dot to end but the damage was done earlier on.

FOUR! On the leg side this time! A little too short and Curran pounces onto it. He slams it past mid-wicket and this gets to the fence in no time. Top stroke. Good over for the hosts.

Length and on off. Drags his length back. Blocked.

FOUR! Thats a lovely stroke! Beautifully played! A little too full and around off. Curran creams it past cover. This one races away to the fence.

Slightly shorter this time. Curran punches it past cover and takes two.

Good length and around off. Curran stands tall and blocks it.

Angling on the pads. Curran tucks it to deep square leg for a single.

Tad fuller and on middle, Gumbie looks to defend but splices it to cover for a single. Hashmatullah Shahidi goes after it, slides and stops. The skipper is holding his right knee as he bumps into the ground while stopping it. The physio is out. Hashmatullah Shahidi is limping a bit but looks okay. Nope, he is leaving the field.

Keeps it full and around off, Gumbie leans into his defensive shot.

Three dots! Zadran serves it full and on middle and leg. Gumbie keeps it out.

Goes full and outside off, Gumbie pushes it straight to point.

Shapes in a length ball around off, Gumbie defends it out.

Outside off, Curran lets it go.

More runs! Decent start by Zimbabwe! Full and on the pads, Curran flicks it square leg for a couple of runs.

Short of a length and on the hips, Gumbie tickles it to fine leg for a single.

Slants it full and on the pads. Curran nudges it to deep square leg and rotates the strike.

On a length and on middle, Curran defends it out.

JUST SHORT! Touch fuller and outside off, Curran looks to defend but it moves away and he plays with soft hand. The edge flies to the slip fielder but falls short.

Short of a length and outside off, Gumbie leaves it alone.

Slants it full and on the pads. Gumbie tucks it to square leg.

Very full and around off, shapes in. Gumbie pushes it to cover.

Length ball, outside off, Gumbie leaves it alone to the keeper.

Short in length and outside off, Gumbie hops and drops his gloves on time.

THREE! Naveed Zadran pitches it up on middle, Curran flicks it through mid-wicket, slow outfield and they take three runs.

SOLID BLOCK! Too full and on middle and off. Gumbie gets his bat down in time and defends.

Very full and around off, Gumbie solidly defend it.

Too full and on middle and leg. Gumbie blocks it out.

Shapes in a length ball on middle, Curran clips it behind square leg for one.

This is very full and around off, Curran blocks it out.

FOUR! Beautiful shot! Pitched up on off, Curran leans and drives it straight past mid off for a boundary.

Azmatullah Omarzai to bowl from the other end.

Shorter and outside off, Gumbie leaves it alone.

Sharp single and Curran is underway! A good length ball on off, Curran taps it in front of covers for a single.

Short in length and around off, Curran shoulders arms to it.

DROPPED! Eventful start to the game already! Pitched up, outside off, was there to be driven and Gumbie goes after it, edges it to third slip who gets low to his left but fails to hold onto a low catch. Zimbabwe are underway.

A length ball, outside off and it zips back in sharply. Gumbie covers his stumps and blocks it on the off side.

Naveed Zadran bowls it full and way outside off, Gumbie shoulders arms to it.

Time for action. The players are out in the middle. Joylord Gumbie and Ben Curran to open for Zimbabwe. Naveed Zadran to bowl first...

We are all set for action. Plenty of debutants in both teams. Newman Nyamhuri, Trevor Gwandu and Ben Curran to debut for the hosts. Sediqullah Atal, AM Ghazanfar and Azmatullah Omarzai get their maiden cap for Afghanistan. It's time for the national anthems. First, it will be of Afghanistan's followed by of the hosts.

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Hashmatullah Shahidi (C), Rahmat Shah, Shahidullah Kamal, Afsar Zazai (WK), Naveed Zadran, Azmatullah Omarzai, AM Ghazanfar, Zia-ur-Rehman, Zahir Khan.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Joylord Gumbie, Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine (C), Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu.

TOSS - Zimbabwe have won the toss and will BAT.

Afghanistan will again be the favourites in the Test series as they have retained most of the squads and have players in red-hot form. Rashid Khan's availability is a big concern in this match but they have the likes of AM Ghazanfar, and Azmatullah Omarzai to lean over. Zimbabwe on the other hand have experience on their side but need their senior players to step up to the occasion. Can Zimbabwe start the proceedings well or will it be one-way traffic as we have seen so far in this tour? Stay tuned to find out. Toss and team sheet next.

Hello everyone to the action of Day 1 between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. The tour has been one sided so far with the tourists dominating 1-4 overall. Zimbabwe though have a chance to redeem themselves in the longest format of the game as they'll host the Boxing Day Test for the first time ever at home in 28 years. They have played cricket below their standards so far but they'll hope the Christmas break could bring some positive air in their camp and fire under their belly to win the Test series.

...DAY 1, SESSION 1...

The riveting multi-format series between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is set to culminate in the Test matches, as both teams prepare to switch from colored clothing to traditional whites. This marks just the second Test series between these nations since their previous encounter in Abu Dhabi in 2021, which ended in a 1-1 draw. This also marks Zimbabwe hosting a Boxing Day Test for the first ever time at home in 28 years. After dominating the white-ball leg of the tour with victories in both the T20I and ODI series, Afghanistan will be looking to maintain their winning momentum in the longest format. As usual, the Afghans will be striding under the astute leadership of Hashmatullah Shahidi who experienced campaigners like Rahmat Shah and Azmatullah Omarzai will accompany. Meanwhile, newcomers like the young Sediqullah Atal, who also won the Player of the Series in the ODIs, will be seen holding the top order. Fast bowling all-rounder Ismat Alam and left-arm spinner Zahir Shehzad are also in the mix. Mystery spinner and their trump card, Rashid Khan's return to the whites remains a huge question mark as the leggie was seen in the Netherlands recently and might miss out on the first Test due to personal reasons. That being said, he might be joining the squad later but his participation is not confirmed as yet. This makes the Afghan spin arsenal look a bit inexperienced as well. Hence, spinners like Zahir Shehzad and AM Ghazanfar will play a huge role in the spin duties. Pacers like Naveed Zadran and Fareed Ahmad will hold the key in the bowling department. Zimbabwe, looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance in the white-ball formats, has made bold selections for the upcoming two-Test series. Under the leadership of the seasoned Craig Ervine, the Chevrons have injected fresh blood into their squad with seven uncapped players. The hosts will lean heavily on their experienced core, particularly Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza, to anchor the batting lineup. Raza's dual role as a key batter and spin bowling spearhead will be the key player to watch out for Zimbabwe. This also marks the debut Test series for top-order batter Ben Curran, and middle-order batter Johnathan Campbell. While seasoned pacers Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani will spearhead Zimbabwe's fast bowling attack, the squad features exciting new prospects in Trevor Gwandu, Takudzwa Chataira, and Newman Nyamhuri, all eager to make their mark in Test cricket. Zimbabwe faced Ireland in their last Test match and faced a convincing defeat, and this time the Chevrons will be itching to dominate on home soil. This Test series also promises to be another historic chapter in the cricketing relationship between these emerging nations. Let’s see who wins the first match which will be played at the iconic Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo.