Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan, AFG in ZIM, Only Test, 2025 Oct 20 Full score card

OUT! BOWLED! Job done. Right on the money from Blessing Muzarabani. He serves in a yorker on middle and off. Rahman tries to dig it out but misses and it hits the stumps. Zimbabwe win by an innings and 73 runs.

Very full and around off, Rahman pushes it to cover.

Bowls a yorker, just outside off. Rahman tries to push it away but misses. An appeal follows for caught behind but turned down.

Ziaur Rahman is the last man in.

OUT!! KNOCKED OVER! Blessing Muzarabani bowls a fuller delivery, targeting the off pole. Khalil Gurbaz makes room to drive but misses it completely and it crashes the stumps. Afghanistan are one wicket away now.

Goes full and keeps it around off, Khalil Gurbaz swings hard but fails to connect.

Blessing Muzarabani begins with a bumper on middle, Khalil Gurbaz makes room to pull but misses.

Too short and on the leg side. Yamin Ahmadzai bends as he tries to pull but misses.

Drops it short and on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to pull but misses it.

CHANCE! Good length ball, around off, Yamin Ahmadzai punches it straight to Richard Ngarava. It comes at a good height but he fails to hold on.

Short in length and outside off, climbs a bit. Yamin Ahmadzai slashes and misses.

FOUR! JUST OVER! Drops it short and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai throws his bat at it and edges it over second slip for a boundary.

Drops it short and on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai looks to hoick it across but misses.

Leg bye! A low full toss on the pads, Yamin Ahmadzai misses his flick and it rolls to square leg for a leg bye.

Short and down leg, Yamin Ahmadzai doesn't even move.

SIX! Where has this come from? In the slot, full and on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai thumps it down to long on and it goes all the way.

A length ball, wide of off. Khalil Gurbaz slaps it through cover for a single.

Shorter and down the leg side, Khalil Gurbaz looks to pull but misses.

FOUR! Superb shot! Tanaka Chivanga bowls it very full and on leg, Khalil Gurbaz makes room and thumps it down the ground for a boundary.

This is full and outside off, Khalil Gurbaz punches it to mid off for a single.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Richard Ngarava picks up a five-fer! Short in length and outside off, comes with an angle and shoots a bit. Sharafuddin Ashraf punches away from his body and edges it to second slip. A sharp catch by Craig Ervine does the job.

A length ball, around off, Yamin Ahmadzai punches it to the right of cover for a single.

Short in length and outside off, Yamin Ahmadzai hops and taps it to cover.

A bumper around off, Yamin Ahmadzai defends on the up to cover.

Slants in a good length ball on off, defended out.

Very full and on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf digs it out to mid on.

Short in length and on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf blocks well.

Touch fuller and around off, Yamin Ahmadzai nudges it to square leg for a single.

Drops it short and on leg, Yamin Ahmadzai offers no shot.

Good length delivery on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai hangs back and blocks.

Very full and outside off. Yamin Ahmadzai miscues his push on the leg side.

FOUR! Well played! Drops it short and on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Slants in a length ball on the pads, Yamin Ahmadzai fends it past short leg for one.

Length ball on middle, Yamin Ahmadzai blocks.

Yamin Ahmadzai comes to the middle.

OUT! TAKEN! The angle was troubling Alam for quite a while. Short in length and just outside off, shaping in. Alam looks to punch but gets a thick outside edge to the keeper. Tafadzwa Tsiga dives to his right side, gets his hand out and holds onto it.

Touch fuller and around off, defended to cover.

An in-angler, length ball on middle, Ismat Alam hangs back and looks to flick but misses and wears it on the pads.

Too short and too wide, Sharafuddin Ashraf shoulders arms to it.

No ball! Sharafuddin Ashraf finds the man in deep but luckily for him, Tanaka Chivanga has overstepped. A bumper on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf pulls but gets a top edge to deep square leg where the catch is taken. A no ball is called.

Short in length and around off, shoots up. Sharafuddin Ashraf rocks back to defend but misses.

Touch fuller and around off, defended out.

Overpitched, outside off. Sharafuddin Ashraf drives it square but finds the man at point.

Length ball on middle, blocked out.

Wide! Bangs it short and around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf ducks under it.

Length and outside off, Ismat Alam punches it to cover where the fielder misfields and allows a run.

Too full and angling on off, blocked out.

Length ball, outside off, Sharafuddin Ashraf leans again to push but misses it.

FOUR! First boundary of the session. Richard Ngarava bowls it full and outside off. Sharafuddin Ashraf leans into his drive and hits it through covers for a boundary.

Angles in a length ball on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf keeps it out on the leg side.

Shorter and wide of off. Sharafuddin Ashraf shoulders arms to it.

Hard length delivery around off, Sharafuddin Ashraf solidly defends on the deck.

Drops it short and outside off, Ismat Alam offers no shot.

Short in length and around off, nips in. Ismat Alam chops it to the man at point.

On a length and wide of off. Ismat Alam shoulders arms to it.

Fuller delivery, around off, swinging in. Ismat Alam punches it to cover.

Starts with an inswinger, on middle, Sharafuddin Ashraf flicks it to deep square leg for a single.

Back for the second session. Sharafuddin Ashraf joins Afsar Zazai in the middle. Tanaka Chivanga to finish his over.

...DAY 3, SESSION 2...

Under overcast conditions, the home team didn't miss out on a chance given to bowl with some serious pace and their prime bowlers, Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani, troubled the visitors dearly. Richard Ngarava was superb in the morning and was helped by movement in the air, scalping three wickets. Blessing Muzarabani troubled with his bounce as well, while Tanaka Chivanga showed good consistency in his bowling to end the session with two wickets. Afghanistan once again lacked character against testing conditions. Afghanistan have a long way to go. Who will they rely on to bail them out of this deep hole? Time will tell. Stay tuned for the second session.

Well, that wicket of Afsar Zazai has put more pressure on Afghanistan as he was the last known reliable batter out there. Afghanistan trail by 105 runs as we head into the break. Still, a long way away and with an inexperienced lower-middle order, Zimbabwe will be itching to get out and finish the job today itself.

OUT! TAKEN! Final over before the break and Afsar Zazai holes out. Touch fuller and gives width outside off, angled away. Afsar Zazai leans and punches on the up, straight to Brad Evans at point. A simple catch and even Tanaka Chivanga seems a bit surprise with the shot. LUNCH.

Shorter and outside off, Ismat Alam leaves.

Short of a good length and close to the off pole, angled away. Ismat Alam looks to push with hard hands and misses.

Length delivery, outside off, Ismat Alam leans and defends.

A bumper on middle, Ismat Alam ducks under it.

FOUR! Punished! Any width on offer, this is well outside off. Ismat Alam gets tall and punches it past cover for a boundary.

Blessing Muzarabani targets the stumps as he bowls on middle, it nips in. Ismat Alam tries to bunt it away but misses and gets hit on the pads.

A slower length delivery around off, blocked out.

A good short delivery around off. Afsar Zazai sits under it.

Bye! Bowls a bouncer and swings it down leg. The keeper gets a big hand on it and it rolls to fine leg for a bye.

FOUR! Stylish shot! Close to the off pole, on a length. Ismat Alam punches it off the back foot through covers for a boundary.

Length ball, outside off, Ismat Alam plays it to cover.

Drops it short and wide of off. Ismat Alam slashes his blade and misses.

Edged but wide! Blessing Muzarabani bowls on a nagging length and outside off. Ismat Alam looks to punch but gets a thick outside edge to the right of third slip. He gets a hand on it but fails to hold on.

Shorter and on middle, Afsar Zazai defends in front of point and stutters for a single. The fielder picks and throws past the keeper's end, past the man at short leg and they take a run.

Troubles with a short one again, Afsar Zazai sits under it.

Good running once again. Fuller delivery, outside off, Ismat Alam strokes it to extra cover, slower outfield and they take three runs.

Length ball, outside off, Ismat Alam taps it to cover.

Shorter and on middle, Ismat Alam ducks under it.

Overpitched and outside off, Ismat Alam leans and crunches it through covers for three runs.

Tad fuller delivery and around off, defended out.

Slanting on the pads, Afsar Zazai tucks it to square leg for a single.

Tad fuller and outside off, punched to cover.

On a length and outside off, Afsar Zazai knocks it to cover.

On a length and wide of off, Afsar Zazai lets it go.

Short in length and wide of off. Ismat Alam shuffles way across and keeps it out on the leg side.

Ripper! A proper bumper, angling on middle. Ismat Alam bends a bit to leave but instead gloves it on the off side.

Ismat Alam walks in next.

OUT! GONE! Blessing Muzarabani gets his wicket. Continues with the short ball and bowls it on middle, tight from him. Shah hops to fend it away but gloves it to short leg where Ben Curran takes an easy catch.

Angling on the pads, Afsar Zazai clips it to fine leg for a single.

Length and on middle, blocked out.

FOUR! MORE RUNS! Blessing Muzarabani bowls slightly short and outside off. Afsar Zazai hits it over cover and in the gap for a boundary.

Pushes it well outside off, untroubling line and Shah leaves.

Bangs it short and around off, Shah gets down and sways from it.

On a length and on middle, turned to square leg for a single.

Drops it short and just outside off, Afsar Zazai hops and leaves it alone.

Tanaka Chivanga keeps it outside off again, Afsar Zazai lets it go.

Well outside off, left alone.

Good length delivery, outside off, Shah punches it through mid off, in the gap for a couple of runs.

Bumper on middle. Shah sits under it.

FOUR! 100 up in style. Boundaries flowing for Afghanistan! Too wide once again, length. Shah smashes it through point for a boundary.

Too short and too wide, Shah has nothing to do with it.

Short in length and on middle and leg. Shah hops and fends it to short leg where the fielder picks up on a bounce.

Bangs it short and on leg, Shah ducks under it.

Length ball, on the pads, Shah tucks it to square leg for a single.

A length delivery, around off, punched back to Evans.

Touch fuller and on the pads, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Hat trick of boundaries! This is good batting. Evans gives width again, bowls it on a length. Shah crunches it through covers for a boundary.

FOUR! Well played! Too full and straight on middle, Shah drives it down the ground to mid on and it rolls to the fence.

FOUR! CUT AWAY! Drops it short with some width. Shah cuts it uppishly over point and it races away.

Beaten again! Blessing Muzarabani bowls into the surface, outside off and nips away. Afsar Zazai looks to push at it but misses.

A bumper on middle, Afsar Zazai ducks under it.

Back of a length and on off, defended to cover.

Length ball, close to the off pole. Shah strokes it to cover for a single.

CLOSE! Shorter and outside off, shaping away. Shah throws his bat at it but fails to connect.

Short of a good length and wide of off, Afsar Zazai punches it sweetly through covers. It slows down in the deep and they take three runs.

Slightly short and on middle, Shah pulls hard but straight to square leg.

Keeps it short and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

A well-directed short ball, close to the helmet. Afsar Zazai looks to pull but misses and gets hit on the side of the helmet. A concussion protocol is going on. Afsar Zazai seems fine and is ready to continue.

Tad fuller and around off, Afsar Zazai defends it to cover.

This is touch fuller and on middle, played back to the bowler.

Shorter and outside off, Afsar Zazai shoulders arms to it.

Length ball, outside off, punched to cover.

Bangs it short and around off, Shah uncomfortably tries to fend it away but it lobs to short leg. The fielder was stationed a bit wide.

A halt in play as Bahir Shah looks in pain and needs some treatment. The physio is out.

Beaten for pace! Drops it short and slanting onto the body. Shah drops his bat to evade but takes one on the body.

Length ball on middle, nudged to square leg for a single.

Sharp short delivery, around off, climbs onto the batter. Afsar Zazai looks to defend but misses.

FOUR! What was that! Begins with a shorter delivery, outside off. Afsar Zazai ducks but hangs his bat out, the ball hits and balloons to fine leg for a boundary.

FOUR! Solid shot! Gives width outside off, Shah punches with hard hands and through covers, past the fielder for four runs.

Bye! A bumper on middle, Afsar Zazai ducks under it. The keeper fails to pick up cleanly and they sneak in a bye.

Length ball, outside off, Afsar Zazai punches it to cover.

Short in length and on the hips, Shah turns it to square leg for  asingle.

Slanting on the pads, Shah keeps it out on the leg side.

On a good length and around off, Shah hangs back and defends.

Pushes it full and around off, Afsar Zazai knocks it to covers and runs across. Shah denies and is against the call.

Hard length delivery, attacking the stumps, this is blocked out.

Angling on the pads, Afsar Zazai tickles it to short fine leg.

Drops it short and around off, angling in. Afsar Zazai hops and blocks.

Angles in a length ball on middle, Shah turns it to square leg for a single.

Short in length and around off. Afsar Zazai taps it in front of cover and calls for a quick single.

Touch fuller and on middle and leg, Shah eases it to mid on.

FOUR! Shah is off the mark! Overpitched and outside off, Shah leans and drives it through covers and it races to the fence.

Good length delivery, around off, Shah defends it to the man at gully.

Bangs it short and on middle, Shah ducks under it.

Swings away a fuller delivery, around off. Shah solidly blocks it out.

Serves a fuller delivery on middle, Shah plays it back to the bowler.

Good length wide of off, Afsar Zazai pokes at it but gets beaten.

Afsar Zazai walks out next.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Good length, wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi presses in front and plays with firm hands at it, looking to punch this to cover for nothing. The ball shapes a hint away from the batter and that was enough to catch the outside edge of Hashmatullah Shahidi's with the ball going straight to Craig Ervine at second slip. Ervine makes no mistake and pouches this one.

Good length on middle and leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi tucks this to short mid-wicket for no run.

Short-pitched, down the leg. Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it all alone.

Bumper, well-directed, on middle and leg. Hashmatullah Shahidi sits under it.

Back of a length around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches this towards backward point fielder for no run.

Good length on off, Bahir Shah blocks this out.

Tanaka bends his back and bowls a short one, on middle and off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pulls this towards deep square leg for one.

Good length wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi shoulders his arms at it.

Back of a length around off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leans ahead and blocks but gets an outside edge that falls short of Craig Ervine at second slip.

Good length wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi thumps this to cover for no run.

Good length wide of off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it all alone.

Bahir Shah walks out next.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Richard Ngarava comes round the wicket, bowls a length delivery going down the leg, Ibrahim Zadran steps inside and looks to flick this around the fine leg region but gets a faint edge onto it and Tafadzwa Tsiga does well to dive low to his left and pouch this one. Tsiga gathers this just inches above the ground and the ploy to come round the wicket to Zadran and cramp him for any sort of room works for Richard Ngarava and Zimbabwe.

A touch too full, down the leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi flicks this through the square leg region for one.

Full toss on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi pushes this to mid off for no run.

Bumper, wide of off, Ibrahim Zadran fends this to deep mid-wicket and runs one.

Good length on middle and off, Ibrahim Zadran punches this firmly to mid on for no run.

On a length, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length, on leg, Hashmatullah Shahidi stays back and pulls it magnificently through square leg for a boundary.

Back of a length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it back.

Too full, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran drives it through covers for three runs. 50 comes up for Afghanistan!

Short, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leaves it alone.

Back of a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi punches it to cover for one.

On a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it to mid off.

Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it but misses.

FOUR! Streaky! On a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it but gets a slight edge. The ball goes through short third for a boundary.

Hard length, down leg, Ibrahim Zadran looks to flick it but misses.

Much fuller, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to cover.

Too full, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid off.

Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it to mid off.

On a length, on off, Hashmatullah Shahidi blocks it to mid off.

On a length, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.

Short, outside off, Hashmatullah Shahidi leaves it alone.

Hashmatullah Shahidi walks in.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Tanaka Chivanga strikes. Short ball does the trick. Short, on middle and leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz swivels and looks to pull it but gets a slight edge. Tafadzwa Tsiga behind the sticks does the rest.

Too full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz pushes it to cover.

Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran taps it to cover.

Back of a length, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran looks to block it but misses.

Much fuller, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran flicks it through square leg for a brace.

Slightly shorter, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back.

On a length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, on leg, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tucks it to square leg for one.

Richard Ngarava to bowl from the other end.

Back of a length, on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it to mid off.

Length, on leg, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it to mid off.

FOUR! Top shot! Keeps it full, outside off, Ibrahim Zadran leans on and drives it magnificently through mid off for a boundary.

Much fuller, on off, Ibrahim Zadran eases it back again.

Length again, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back again.

On a length, on off, Ibrahim Zadran blocks it back to the bowler.

All set for Day 3's play to begin. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz will resume their innings. Tanaka Chivanga will start with the ball. Let's play...

With the match delicately poised, Day 3 promises high drama and decisive moments. Can Afghanistan's batters stand up to the challenge and build a substantial lead, or will the Zimbabwean bowlers run through the remaining lineup? We shall find out soon. Stay tuned...

For Zimbabwe, the plan will be straightforward. Take the remaining nine wickets quickly. Their bowlers, especially the impressive Richard Ngarava, will be hunting for early breakthroughs to expose the middle order. The pitch still appears good for batting, but the persistent threat of the moving ball remains.

Afghanistan's second innings started on a nervous note as they lost opener Abdul Malik early. However, the unbeaten pair of Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to negotiate the difficult final hour, taking the score to 34/1 before bad light brought an early close. They still trail Zimbabwe by 198 runs, meaning they have a monumental task ahead of them to ensure their team is not staring down the barrel of a big defeat. The onus is on these two batters and the rest of the lineup to bat for long periods today and reduce the deficit.

Welcome back for Day 3 of the Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, often called the 'moving day'! The stage is set for a pivotal day of cricket after two fascinating days of play. Yesterday, Zimbabwe built a commanding lead thanks to a brilliant century from opener Ben Curran (121) and a quick-fire fifty from Sikandar Raza (65), finishing their first innings at 359. The hero with the ball for Afghanistan was debutant Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, whose exceptional spell of 7/97 set a new record for an Afghan player in their first Test.

... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ...

Still the game is pretty open, but we feel Zimbabwe are a touch ahead. Afghanistan need a big Day 3 with the bat. The top order needs to step up. Can Afghanistan put in a better performance with the bat or will we see Zimbabwe pacers troubling them once again? Join us on Day 3 at 8 am GMT and earlier for the build up. Till then, cheers!

The second session was a hard grind for both sides, with Zimbabwe pushing their total past 300 runs to lead by 175, but Afghanistan struck key blows right before the break. The home team played cautiously against the spinning attack, but Sharafuddin Ashraf eventually broke the deadlock by removing the set Sikandar Raza for 65. Ben Curran and Tafadzwa Tsiga then partnered up, focusing primarily on defense to survive the session. After a near-miss with a no-ball, Ismat Alam returned strongly in the final over of the session to trap Ben Curran lbw, giving Afghanistan a crucial wicket right on the stroke of tea.

Earlier, Zimbabwe had a turbulent but ultimately successful first session of Day 2, finishing at 214 for four and building an 87-run lead. Afghanistan fought hard early on, with Ziaur Rahman claiming the key wicket of Brendan Taylor. The visitors found more joy when Ismat Alam celebrated his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Craig Ervine. However, the recovery effort was launched by Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran, who steadied the innings with their patient 49 runs.

Game stopped due to : Bad Light

The light meter is out and the umpire takes the reading. It's not good enough for the spinners as well and that will be STUMPS. So, Afghanistan still trail by 198 runs at the end of the day's play with a wicket short. The Zimbabwe bowlers had a pretty good outing, troubling the batters and beating the edges numerous times in the process.

Back of a length and on off, defended once again.

Length ball, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it on the off side.

Short of a length and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz blocks it out.

Pushes it full and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans and pushes it to cover.

This is full and around off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz leans and blocks it out.

On a length and shaping on middle and leg, Zadran nudges it to square leg for a single.

Tossed up, outside off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz turns it to mid-wicket.

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

Quicker and around off, punched to mid off.

Flat and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz cuts it through point for a couple of runs.

Floated fuller and around off, blocked well.

Tossed up on middle, Zadran punches it to mid on for a single.

The light-meter is out. The umpire deems with the light, only spinners are allowed. So, Sikandar Raza will bowl now.

Brad Evans keeps it short, around off. Rahmanullah Gurbaz ducks under it.

Drops it short and on middle and leg, Zadran pulls it to fine leg for a single.

Good length delivery on middle, Zadran solidly defends it out.

Too short and climbs around off, Zadran leaves it alone.

Length ball, outside off, Zadran leans to punch but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Short of a length and on off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz uses his feet and turns it to square leg for a single.

Good length and on middle,nudged to square leg for a single.

Fuller delivery, outside off, pushed to cover.

Well outside off, shorter. Rahmanullah Gurbaz offers no shot.

Close to the stumps again, Rahmanullah Gurbaz steps across and defends.

LOVELY! Good length delivery, close to the off pole, comes with the angle and whizzes past Rahmanullah Gurbaz's defensive edge.

Shorter and outside off, shaping away, it is leftalone.

Back of a length and on middle, Zadran hangs back and defends it well.

Too short and on middle, Zadran shoulders arms to it.

Keeps it short, bowls it on middle, Rahmanullah Gurbaz works it to square leg for one more.

Shorter and on the hips. Zadran tucks it on the leg side and rotates the strike.

Spills it full and angling down the leg side. Zadran looks to clip but misses it.

Short of a length and outside off, Zadran punches it to the left of cover for a couple of runs.

Short of a good length and outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz tamely pushes at it and gets beaten.

Shorter and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

Length delivery, around the fourth stump line. Zadran defends it to cover.

Short in length and on the hips.Zadran bunts it to deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Very full and close to the stumps. Zadran watchfully defends.

Good length delivery around middle. Zadran gets inside the line and defends.

Too full and around off, defended to cover.

Connects this time. Richard Ngarava bowls in a similar channel, Zadran punches it through covers. The fielder chases and stops it near the fence to save a run.

Gives width outside off, tad shorter. Zadran looks to punch but misses.

Swings back in on a length and on middle, kept out on the leg side.

Touch fuller and straight onto the stumps. Zadran solidly blocks it.

Too full and on the pads, Rahmanullah Gurbaz clips it to square leg for a single.

Length ball on middle, Zadran defends to end the over.

Shaping on the pads, clipped to deep square leg for a single.

Serves it into the surface, outside off, Rahmanullah Gurbaz lets it go.

Drops it short and on middle, Zadran pulls it to fine leg for a single.

Attacks the stumps with a fuller ball, it is played back to the bowler.

FOUR! Good shot! Slightly short and on middle and off. Zadran gets tall and punches it firmly through covers for a boundary.

Rahmanullah Gurbaz comes in next.

OUT! TAKEN! Blessing Muzarabani get the first wicket. Drops it short and on middle and leg, Abdul Malik pulls it flat and uppishly behind square on the leg side where Blessing Muzarabani takes it. An ordinary shot and Abdul Malik has to go.

Richard Ngarava creates an angle as he bowls it outside off, Abdul Malik plants his front foot to defend but misses it.

Short of a good length and around off, Abdul Malik blocks.

Length ball on top of off. Abdul Malik knocks it to cover.

Well outside off, angled across, Abdul Malik lets it go.

Touch fuller and around off, Abdul Malik punches it to mid off.

FOUR! Well played! Fractionally short and around off, Zadran pulls with control to mid-wicket and it races to the fence.

On a nagging length and around off, it lands and shapes away. Zadran looks to push it but misses.

Short of a length and outside off, Abdul Malik pulls it a bit straighter and to mid on. The fielder dives to his left and gets a hand on it. A run.

Agles in a length ball on middle, defended out.

Short in length and just outside off, Abdul Malik throws his bat at it but misses.

Short and wide of off, shapes away, it is left alone.

Keeps it close to the off pole, around off, Zadran blocks it out.

Around off on a length. Zadran leans and punches but finds mid off.

An inswinger, on a length and on middle, Zadran defends on the leg side.

Touch fuller and on middle and leg, Zadran punches it to mid-wicket.

Slightly short and around off, Zadran hops and defends it out.

This is full and around off, Abdul Malik punches it to cover for a single. He is off the mark.

Richard Ngarava to bowl from the other end.

This is on a length and on middle, Zadran defends well.

CHANCE! Blessing Muzarabani bangs it short and around off, Zadran looks to defend on the up but gloves it to point. Well, well short of the fielder there.

Hard length delivery, around off, Zadran hangs back and defends.

FOUR! Pulled away! Off the mark in style. Shorter and on middle and leg, Zadran, with his good stature, easily pulls it through square leg for a boundary.

A good length delivery, close to the off pole. Zadran solidly defends it on the deck.

Short of a length and outside off, Zadran half-heartedly punches it to the man at gully.

OUT! LBW! The finger is raised! Ziaur Rahman keeps it full and shapes it on middle, comes with an angle and Chivanga is struck on the pads as he tries to defend it. An appeal for LBW and up goes the finger.

A sharp inswinger from Ziaur Rahman on a length. Chivanga solidly defends it back.

Pushes it full and around off, Chivanga defends with soft hands to the slip cordon.

A good length delivery, outside off. Chivanga has a poke at it but misses.

FOUR! Pulled away! Drops it short and on middle, Chivanga stands tall and pulls it to deep square leg for a boundary. Crucial runs.

That looked close! Touch fuller and shaping on middle and leg. Tanaka Chivanga is struck on the pads as he looks to defend. An appeal for LBW but was angled down.

Drinks! Zimbabwe lead by a massive 228 runs and Brad Evans will look to extend and try to get it past 250. Afghanistan will be desperate to pick the final wicket and get out to bat soon. Let's see how it pans out...

FOUR! Streaky! Flatter, down leg, Brad Evans looks to punch it but gets an inside edge. The ball goes through fine leg for a boundary.

Too full, on off, Brad Evans blocks it back.

Short and wide, Brad Evans looks to slap it but misses.

Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Too full, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga flicks it to square leg for one.

Slower one, on off, Brad Evans punches it to cover for one. 350 comes up for Zimbabwe!

Much fuller, on off, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it back to the bowler.

Too full, on off, Tanaka Chivanga digs it back to the bowler. Ziaur Rahman appeals as he thinks it was pad first.

On a length, on off, Brad Evans punches it to cover for one.

Too full, down leg, Brad Evans leaves it alone.

Hard length, outside off, Brad Evans looks to pull it but misses.

On a length, on leg, Brad Evans blocks it to the on side.

Too full, on middle, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on leg, Brad Evans flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Short, on leg, Brad Evans blocks it to mid on.

Too full, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover.

Slower one, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to cover.

SIX! That's a massive hit! A half tracker that sits up to be hit, Brad Evans uses his feet and clatters it over long on for a biggie.

Too full, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it back to the bowler.

Back of a length, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga looks to block it but gets a hit on his glove. The ball rolls back towards the bowler.

Back of a length, on leg, Brad Evans fends it to square leg for one.

Length again, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid off.

Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid off.

On a length, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to point.

On a length, on middle and leg, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it to the left of the keeper.

Another one down leg, Brad Evans looks to flick it but the ball hits his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

Sways it down leg, Brad Evans looks to flick it but misses.

Down the leg side, Brad Evans looks to flick it but misses.

Slower one, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to mid off.

FOUR! Well played! Short, on middle and leg, Brad Evans stays back and pulls it powerfully through backward square leg for a boundary.

On a length, on middle and leg, Tanaka Chivanga looks to block it but edges it to the slip fielder.

On a length, outside off, Tanaka Chivanga looks to cut it but misses.

Too full, on leg, Tanaka Chivanga blocks it to mid off.

Tanaka Chivanga is the last batter.

OUT! TIMBER! Ziaur Rahman gets another. Six wickets for him now! On a length, on middle, shaping away. Blessing Muzarabani looks to loft it but misses as the ball rattles over the off pole. Blessing Muzarabani makes his way back into the shed.

Short, down leg, Blessing Muzarabani leaves it alone.

Hard length, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover for one.

Length, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover for one.

Wide! A wayward bouncer, on leg, Brad Evans leaves. Wided.

Short, on leg, Brad Evans looks to pull it but misses.

Lands it on off, Blessing Muzarabani eases it to short fine for a quick single. The fielder throws it towards Yamin Ahmadzai who misses a direct hit at the bowlers end. A direct hit and Blessing Muzarabani was a goner.

On a length, on off, Brad Evans taps it to cover for one.

Short, down leg, Brad Evans leaves it alone.

FOUR LEG BYES! The lead goes over 200 now! Down the leg side, Brad Evans looks to flick it but the ball clips his pads and races away to the fence.

FOUR! Top shot! On a length, outside off, Blessing Muzarabani stands tall and punches it elegantly through point for a boundary.

Too full, down leg, Blessing Muzarabani blocks it to square leg.

On a length, outside off, Blessing Muzarabani leaves it alone.

Short, on leg, Brad Evans pulls it to mid-wicket for one.

Too full, on leg, Brad Evans flicks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Excellent from Brad Evans! On a length, just outside off, Brad Evans stays in his crease and punches it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Fuller one, outside off, Blessing Muzarabani leaves it alone.

Too full, on off, Blessing Muzarabani digs it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, on off, Blessing Muzarabani blocks it back to the bowler.

On a length, on off, Brad Evans taps it to cover for one.

Too full, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to cover.

Too full, outside off, Brad Evans leaves it alone.

Too full, on off, Blessing Muzarabani blocks it to the cover fielder.

Blessing Muzarabani walks in to face the hat-trick ball.

OUT! TIMBER! Ziaur Rahman gets another. A five-wicket haul for the debutant. On a length, outside off, Richard Ngarava looks to punch it but misses as the ball hits the top of off. Ziaur Rahman on a hat-trick now.

Richard Ngarava walks in.

OUT! LBW! Ziaur Rahman strikes. On a length, on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga tries to flick it but misses it completely as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Tafadzwa Tsiga makes his way back into the shed.

Short, on leg, Brad Evans pulls it through square leg for one.

Hard length, outside off, Brad Evans leaves it alone.

On a length, on leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga tucks it to square leg for one.

Keeps it full and outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves the harmless delivery. Maiden from Ismat Alam.

On a length, on off, Brad Evans pushes it to mid off.

Too full, outside off, Brad Evans looks to drive it but misses.

Too full, on off, Brad Evans eases it to cover.

Full, way outside off, Brad Evans leaves again.

Slower one, outside off, Brad Evans leaves it alone.

Back of a length, outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leaves it alone.

Keeps it full, on leg, Brad Evans flicks it through mid-wicket for one.

Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans blocks it to the cover fielder.

Hard length, on off, Brad Evans eases it to the point fielder.

Too full, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga taps it to cover for one.

FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga uses the pace of the ball and tickles it fine for a boundary.

Ziaur Rahman to bowl from the other end.

Much fuller, on off, Brad Evans pushes it through point for a brace.

FOUR! Brad Evans gets off the mark with a boundary! Much fuller, outside off, Brad Evans reaches out to it and steers it magnificently through point for a boundary.

Welcome back for the final session of Day 2. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Brad Evans will walk out in the middle to join Tafadzwa Tsiga. Ismat Alam will complete his over. Let's play...

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

The cornerstone of Zimbabwe's innings was definitely the outstanding performance of Ben Curran. He finally departed after scoring 121. As the match progresses towards the final session, Afghanistan's primary objective will be to secure the remaining wickets swiftly and limit the burgeoning lead. They will need a concerted effort from their bowling unit to bundle out the hosts and reduce some pressure from their batters. Stay tuned as we will be back in a short while after the Tea Break...

Session Summary - 27.4 overs, 88 runs and 2 wickets! An entertaining session but Zimbabwe are still way ahead in the game. They have maintained their strong dominance, adding a formidable 88 runs to their total in this session. The setback for the hosts was the departure of the in-form Sikandar Raza and the centurion Ben Curran, who departed on the stroke of Tea Break. Despite the loss of two key wickets, the momentum firmly rests with Zimbabwe, who now command a significant and comfortable lead of 175 runs heading into the tea interval.

OUT! LBW! Ismat Alam does get a wicket eventually and it's the big wicket of Ben Curran! A slower length delivery around middle and off, nicely deceived as Ben Curran tries to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. Right in front and up goes the finger. So, Afghanistan do get a wicket right before TEA.

This is full and outside off, punched to cover for a single.

Touch fuller and on middle and leg, Tafadzwa Tsiga solidly defends.

Length ball, wide of off. Tafadzwa Tsiga offers no shot.

No ball! Drama right at the stroke of TEA! Overpitched and wide of off. Tafadzwa Tsiga sees the width and flashes his blade, gets a thick outside edge to the keeper who takes it. Afghanistan start to celebrate but is cut short as the third umpire deems it as a no ball. Ismat Alam has overstepped.

Short in length and outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms to it once again.

Well outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms to it.

JUST SHORT! This is full and on middle and leg, Ben Curran looks to flick but gets a soft leading edge to point where the fielder runs to his right and stops it on a bounce.

Drops it short and down leg, Ben Curran looks to pull but misses.

Pushes across a fuller delivery, outside off and Ben Curran offers no shot.

Angles across a length ball, wide of off. Ben Curran lets it go.

Quick, full and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga prods and solidly defends.

Very full and floated on off, blocked out.

Flighted full and on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans and defends again.

FOUR BYES! Goes past everyone. Short and down the leg side, Tafadzwa Tsiga swings across the line but misses and it rolls past the keeper to fine leg for four runs. 300 up for Zimbabwe.

Well outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga prods and leaves it alone.

Tossed up full and on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans and defends.

Attacks the stumps with a length ball, tucked to mid-wicket.

Spills in a length ball, around off, Ben Curran solidly blocks.

Shorter and well outside off. Ben Curran has nothing to do with it.

Length ball on middle, Ben Curran blocks it out.

Tad fuller and around off, Ben Curran bunts it to square leg.

Shorter and around leg, Ben Curran pulls with soft hands and the keeper does well to dive across and stop on a bounce.

Touch fuller and around off, defended out.

A length delivery, around off, comes with the angle. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to defend as he half-prods but gets hit high on the box.

FOUR! Short of a length and outside off. Tafadzwa Tsiga cuts it hard, gets a thick outside edge past the fielder at gully and it races to the fence.

This is full and on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to push but plays off the inner half of the bat to mid-wicket.

A halt in play as the physio walks out to attend Tafadzwa Tsiga's right forearm.

A hard length delivery, around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga with a high back lift tries to defend but misses and gets hit on the right forearm.

Leg bye! A yorker, shaping on middle and leg. Ben Curra looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. It was going down.

Pushes it full and close to the off pole. Tafadzwa Tsiga defends.

Yamin Ahmadzai angles in a fuller delivery, around off and shaping away. Tafadzwa Tsiga defends inside the line and gets beaten.

On a good length and on middle, blocked out.

Short in length and wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga hangs back to defend but is well beaten.

Length delivery, wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga drops it to cover.

This is full and on middle and leg, turned to square leg.

Afghanistan have an issue with the new ball and wants to change it.

Length and outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms to it.

Pitched up, outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans and drives it to the left of mid off for one.

Short of a good length and outside off, skids off. Tafadzwa Tsiga looks to cut but misses.

Sliding on the pads, Tafadzwa Tsiga hits it straight to mid-wicket.

Angles in a very full ball on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

This is full and outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it to mid off.

Pushes it full and around off, nipping in sharply. Ben Curran looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. A huge appeal for LBW but turned down. Maybe the impact was outside the line.

Touch fuller and around off, tight but Ben Curran is equally good as he defends.

Corrects and brings the line around off, Ben Curran defends well.

Shorter and outside off, left alone.

Very full and on middle, punched to mid on for a quick single.

Short in length and outside off, swings in and makes it to shape away. Tafadzwa Tsiga is drawn to defend but is beaten.

Tad fuller and on middle and off. Ben Curran prods a bit and defends it out.

Fuller delivery, outside off, pushed to cover.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Overpitched and outside off, Ben Curran leans and creams it through extra cover for a boundary.

A skiddy length and on middle, drilled to mid-wicket for a quick single.

This is full and on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches it straight to mid on.

Ziaur Rahman begins with a length delivery, just outside off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks.

Keeps it closer to the off pole. Ben Curran looks to flick but gets a soft leading edge to cover.

FOUR! Just helped away! Yamin Ahmadzai serves it on a length and on middle, nips in. Ben Curran uses the angle and tickles it to fine leg for four more.

FOUR! Solid shot! Touch fuller and outside off, Ben Curran leans and crunches it through mid off for a boundary.

Serves it full and on middle, Ben Curran pushes it back to the bowler.

Afghanistan have taken the new ball.

A good length delivery, outside off, Ben Curran defends it to cover.

Shorter and angled away, outside off. Ben Curran lets it go.

With 80 overs done, the new ball is available now. Afghanistan aren't taking the new cherry as of now. Yamin Ahmadzai is back on.

Flat and turning in on middle, played back to the bowler.

Too short and outside off, Ben Curran taps it to point for a single.

Too full and outside off, driven to cover.

Very full and on middle, Tafadzwa Tsiga nudges it off the inside edge to square leg for one.

Tossed up on middle, kept out on the leg side.

A length ball, around off, Ben Curran punches it to mid off for a single.

Flat and around off, Ben Curran drops it to point for a single.

FOUR! Ben Curran could change gears after his hundred! Too full and down leg, Ben Curran sweeps it to fine leg for a boundary.

Too much flight, full and wide of off, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches it to the right of cover for one.

Tossed up on middle, blocked out.

Floated, slower and around off, Tafadzwa Tsiga prods and blocks.

Very full and on middle, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for one.

Drinks! The hosts now lead by 139 runs. They have lost Sikandar Raza but Ben Curran is looking exceptional and is batting on 101. They will continue to bat and post a monstrous total here. Afghanistan need quick wickets and they will look to keep the lead below 200. Let's see how it pans out...

Flatter, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga taps it to the cover fielder.

Short, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga punches it to the cover fielder.

Keeps it full, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it to cover.

Much fuller, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga pushes it to short cover.

Quicker, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it back to the bowler again.

Too full, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans on and blocks it back.

Quicker, on middle and leg, Ben Curran flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Short, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover.

A full toss, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga flicks it to wide mid on for one.

Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for one.

A low full toss, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid on.

Too full, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.

Much fuller, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga leans on and blocks it to short cover.

Flatter, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it back again.

Short, on off, Tafadzwa Tsiga blocks it back.

Tafadzwa Tsiga walks in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Sharafuddin Ashraf strikes and gets the much needed breakthrough. Flatter, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza gets low and looks to slog it but gets a top edge. The ball goes in the air towards deep square leg. Yamin Ahmadzai settles under it and takes a fine catch.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza blocks it back.

Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover.

Too full, on leg, Sikandar Raza knocks it down the ground for one.

Flatter, down leg, Sikandar Raza looks to flick it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards the keeper. Dot.

Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.

Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back.

HUNDRED UP FOR BEN CURRAN! Short, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket for one. His maiden Test Hundred!

Slower one, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg for one.

Flatter, outside off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Short, on middle, Ben Curran tucks it to the square leg fielder.

Keeps it full, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off.

FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran leans on and cracks a drive through covers for a boundary. He moves to 99 now!

Full, on leg, Sikandar Raza sweeps it through short fine. The fielder does well to stop the ball with his foot just before the fence. The batters collect three runs.

Flatter, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg for one.

Slower one, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to cover.

Quicker, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg.

Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran knocks it down the ground for one.

Full, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran looks to loft it but gets an inside edge as the ball rolls towards short fine leg. Dot.

Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover.

Short, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for one.

Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to point for one.

Very full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.

Short, on leg, Sikandar Raza tucks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, on middle, Sikandar Raza uses the pace of the ball and sweeps it through fine leg for a boundary. 250 comes up for Zimbabwe. They lead by 123 now.

Slower one, on off, Sikandar Raza chips it over extra cover for a single.

Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to cover.

Too full, outside off, Sikandar Raza drives it through covers. The fielder chases and stops the ball with his foot just before the fence. The batters collect two runs.

Slower one, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid on for one.

Turn and bounce, outside off, Ben Curran looks to block it but misses. A stifled appeal for caught behind but the umpire is unmoved.

A low full toss, on leg, Sikandar Raza sweeps it to backward square leg for a single.

Short, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to short cover.

FOUR! Excellent from Ben Curran! Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran leans on and drives it magnificently through wide mid off for a boundary.

Short, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back.

Fifty up for Sikandar Raza! Much fuller, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it to square leg for one.

FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, on middle, Sikandar Raza gets down on one knee and slogs it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Short, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Quicker, on off, Sikandar Raza eases it to the cover fielder.

Short, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to wide mid on for one.

Very full, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to cover.

Slower one, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Short, on off, Ben Curran taps it to backward point.

Fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back.

Tossed up, on off, Sikandar Raza digs it to cover.

Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza leans on and blocks it back.

Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to the cover fielder.

Fuller, outside off, Ben Curran pushes it to point for one.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran eases it back to the bowler.

Short, on off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover for one.

Flatter, on off, Ben Curran blocks it solidly.

Full again, on off, Ben Curran digs it back to the bowler.

Flatter, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Full again, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover.

Much fuller, on middle, Sikandar Raza sweeps it through backward square leg for a single.

Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to cover.

Back of a length, on off, Ben Curran fends it back to the bowler.

On a length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to short cover.

Length, on middle, Ben Curran tucks it through square leg for a brace. The lead moves to 100 now!

Too full, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover.

Down the leg side, Ben Curran looks to flick it but misses.

On a length, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.

Short, on off, Sikandar Raza steers it through covers for a brace.

Quicker, on leg, Sikandar Raza covers his line and blocks it back.

Flatter, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it to mid off.

Short, just outside off, Ben Curran taps it to point for one.

Too full, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to mid off for one.

Short, on leg, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.

Keeps it full, on leg, Ben Curran turns it to backward square leg for a brace.

Hard length, on off, Ben Curran eases it to the left of the keeper.

Full again, on off, Ben Curran eases it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Length, down leg, Sikandar Raza looks to flick it but the ball clips his pads and rolls fine. They collect a leg bye.

Much fuller, on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it through backward square leg for a brace.

Ziaur Rahman to bowl from the other end.

Too full, on off, Ben Curran leans on and blocks it back.

Short, on middle, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.

Quicker, on off, Sikandar Raza knocks it to mid on for one.

Full again, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back again.

Much fuller, on off, Sikandar Raza leans on and blocks it back.

Flatter, on middle and leg, Ben Curran turns it to backward square leg for a single.

Welcome back for the second session of Day 2. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Sikandar Raza and Ben Curran will resume their innings. Sharafuddin Ashraf will start with the ball. Let's go...

... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...

Afghanistan have a lot to think. They did well to pick two wickets but the partnership of Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza troubled them quite a bit. They need wickets and need them in quick time. The pitch has eased up, the pacers are still getting some purchase but Afghanistan need to bring in some more energy into the game. Can they start the second session with a couple of wickets, or will Ben Curran and Sikandar Raza continue their merry way? Stay tuned to find out.

A good start to Day 2 as Zimbabwe extend their lead to 87 runs. Despite losing two key wickets of Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine, Ben Curran has held one end tightly while Sikandar Raza has looked calm and composed for his 37 not out so far. So far, the hosts have ticked all the boxes and will hope for a productive next session.

Very full and around off, Ben Curran hits it down to long on for a single. LUNCH.

Very full and on middle and leg. Ben Curran blocks it on the deck.

FOUR! Punished! Shorter and outside off, wide of off. Ben Curran crunches it through extra cover for a boundary.

Very full and on leg, Ben Curran leans and keeps it out on the leg side.

Khalil Gurbaz lands it on middle, a googly, turning sharply. Ben Curran rocks back to defend but misses it. A stifled appeal for caught behind but turned down.

Flighted on middle, defended out.

Nicely tossed up on middle, Sikandar Raza solidly blocks.

Too full and on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza eases it to mid on.

Very full and on middle, floated. Sikandar Raza defends it out.

An arm ball, around off, punched to mid off.

Slower in the air, full and on off. Sikandar Raza defends on the front foot.

Tossed up on top of off, punched to cover.

THREE RUNS! Drifts it down the leg side, Sikandar Raza sweeps it to fine leg where the fielder dives to his right and saves a run. Good running. Three runs.

One more run as Ben Curran clips it to mid-wicket.

A half-tracker, on middle, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Flighted too full and on off, Sikandar Raza leans and defends.

FOUR! Smacked away! Drops it short and on middle, Sikandar Raza rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Slides in a fuller delivery on middle, Sikandar Raza prods and defends.

Tossed up on middle, tucked to square leg for a single.

The one that comes with the arm, short and on off, Sikandar Raza chops it to point.

Flat and around off, Sikandar Raza punches it to cover. The fielder throws at the bowler's end and hits as Ben Curran stutters for a single. He gets back in but the ball rolls away to long on for a couple.

Tossed up on the pads, nudged to mid-wicket.

Flat and around off, turning in. Ben Curran plays it to mid on for a single.

Pushes it full and around off, Ben Curran blocks back to the bowler.

Quick, short and on leg, Sikandar Raza rocks back to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

A googly, too full and on middle, Sikandar Raza leans and defends.

Floats it too full and around off, drilled to long on for a single.

Shorter and outside off, Sikandar Raza cuts it to deep point for a single.

Flat and angling in, around off, Sikandar Raza prods and defends.

Tossed up full and on middle, Sikandar Raza leans and blocks.

Khalil Gurbaz to have a go before the end of the session.

Ismat Alam gets it to swing in a bit, too full and on off, Ben Curran plays with the angle to mid on.

Slants in a fuller delivery, around off, Ben Curran defends on the deck.

Angling on the pads, Sikandar Raza helps it to fine leg for a single.

On a length and around off, Sikandar Raza blocks.

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries. Short in length and on middle, Sikandar Raza bends a bit and pulls it past deep square leg for a boundary.

FOUR! A replica of Raza's previous boundary. Touch fuller and around off. Sikandar Raza leans and drives it through mid off for a boundary.

On a good length and wide of off, Ben Curran plays it to point.

Fuller delivery, outside off, driven to cover.

Short in length and on top of off, blocked out.

Slants in a length ball around off, Ben Curran half-presses and defends it out.

On a nagging length and wide of off. Ben Curran steps forward to defend.

Angles across a length delivery, outside off, it is left alone.

Ismat Alam keeps it full and around off, Sikandar Raza prods and blocks.

Solid defensive shot again from Sikandar Raza.

On middle on a length. Sikandar Raza defends.

FOUR! Too easy for someone like Raza! Overpitched and just outside off. Sikandar Raza leans into his shot and drives it through mid off for a boundary.

Keeps it full and touch wide, around off, Sikandar Raza taps it to cover.

Touch fuller and attacking the stumps. Sikandar Raza defends on the off side.

Bangs it short and on middle, Ben Curran ducks under it.

Shorter and outside off, Ben Curran lets it go.

Touch fuller and wide of off. Ben Curran punches it square on the off side for a couple of runs.

Gets it close to the off pole, length ball. Ben Curran blocks it out.

Angling on the pads, tucked to square leg for a single.

Fuller delivery on middle and leg, Sikandar Raza clips it through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Pitches it up, outside off. Ben Curran steps across and pushes it to short cover.

Shorter and outside off, Ben Curran leaves.

Tad fuller and outside off, Sikandar Raza leans across and pushes it to cover. One.

Well outside off, Sikandar Raza shoulders arms to it.

FOUR! Slapped away! Shorter and wide of off. Sikandar Raza crunches it through point, in the gap and it rolls to the fence.

Good length delivery, around off, Sikandar Raza rocks back and blocks.

Length ball on middle, Ben Curran defends on the surface.

Shorter and on off, Ben Curran ducks under it.

Short of a length and outside off, Ben Curran taps on the top and on the off side.

Hard length delivery around off, Sikandar Raza strokes it to mid on for one.

Length ball around off, Ben Curran turns it to mid-wicket for a single.

Goes very full and shaping on off, pushed back to the bowler.

Touch fuller and outside off, shapes away. Sikandar Raza shoulders arms to it.

Bowls very full and around off, dig out back to the bowler.

Ismat Alam gives width on the off side. Sikandar Raza leans and carves it through point for a couple of runs.

Short in length and outside off, Sikandar Raza knocks it to cover.

Overpitched and outside off, Sikandar Raza leans and pushes it to point.

A good length ball, outside off. Sikandar Raza blocks.

Drinks! Afghanistan have done well so far and they will look for quick wickets and claw their way up slowly in the game. They need to get the wicket of Ben Curran who looks well set. The hosts will look to add more runs and bat long. They currently lead by 40 runs. Let's see how it pans out...

Short, on leg, Ben Curran leaves it alone.

Much fuller, on leg, Sikandar Raza flicks it through square leg for a single.

Length, outside off, Sikandar Raza leaves it alone.

Much fuller, targeting the stumps, Sikandar Raza covers his line and blocks it.

Length again, on off, Sikandar Raza blocks it back to the bowler.

On a length, on leg, Ben Curran tucks it to square leg for a single.

Slower one, on off, Sikandar Raza pushes it to short cover.

Sikandar Raza is the next batter.

OUT! PLUMB! Ismat Alam gets his first. On a length, on off, shaping in. Craig Ervine leans on and looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Craig Ervine makes his way back into the shed.

On a length, angling in, on off. Craig Ervine leans on and blocks it to mid off.

Back of a length, on off, Craig Ervine punches it to cover.

Much fuller, on off, Craig Ervine blocks it back.

FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Craig Ervine leans on and cracks a drive through extra covers for a boundary.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to the cover fielder.

Much fuller, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to mid off.

On a length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller this time, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.

Length again, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.

On a length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Keeps it full, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to cover for one.

FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller again, outside off, Ben Curran leans on and drives it magnificently through mid off for a boundary.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Hard length, on off, Ben Curran covers his line and blocks it to mid off.

A low full toss, on leg, Craig Ervine flicks it through mid-wicket for single.

Too full, on off, Craig Ervine pushes it to mid off.

Too full, targeting the stumps, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran leaves the harmless delivery.

Oh! Length, outside off, Ben Curran tries to block it but gets beaten.

Length, down leg, Craig Ervine looks to flick it but the ball hits his thighs and rolls towards fine leg. The collect a leg bye.

The skipper, Craig Ervine walks in.

OUT! TIMBER! Ziaur Rahman strikes and breaks the gritty stand! On a length, on off, and it nips in a bit and stays low. Brendan Taylor goes deep in his crease to block it but misses as the ball rattles over the off pole. A much needed wicket for Afghanistan.

On a length, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

Length again, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off.

Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran fends it back to the bowler.

On a length, on leg, Ben Curran blocks it to mid on.

FOUR! Excellent from Ben Curran! Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran gets down on one knee and drives it through covers for a boundary.

Slower one, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.

Short, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.

Keeps it full, on leg, Brendan Taylor defends it to mid on.

Too full, targeting the stumps, Brendan Taylor blocks it to mid off.

Length, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, on middle, Brendan Taylor stays back and punches it down the ground for a boundary. 150 comes up for Zimbabwe. They lead by 23 runs now!

Slightly shorter again, on off, Brendan Taylor hops a bit and fends it to short cover.

Back of a length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran tucks it to backward square leg for a single.

Too full, on middle and leg, Ben Curran flicks it to backward square leg for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Slower one, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to the on side. Dot again.

On a length, just outside off, Ben Curran punches it to the mid off fielder.

Oh! Length again, outside off, shaping away. Ben Curran tries to block it but misses.

Slower one, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.

Hard length, outside off, Brendan Taylor shoulders arms at it.

Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid off.

Play and a miss! On a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor has a waft at it but misses.

FOUR MORE! Edge again! Short ball, outside off, Brendan Taylor looks to slap it but gets a top edge. The ball flies over the slip fielder for yet another boundary.

FOUR! Edgy! Back of a length, outside off, Brendan Taylor goes back and looks to punch it. Gets an outside edge as the ball goes through the slip and the gully fielder for a boundary.

Goes fuller, just outside off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

Keeps it full, on middle, Ben Curran blocks it back.

Goes fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it through square leg for a single.

Back of a length, just outside off, Brendan Taylor hangs back and punches it to the mid off fielder.

Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back.

On a length, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to square leg.

Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to short cover.

Hard length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! That's a poor delivery! Ziaur Rahman errs his line down leg, Ben Curran hangs back and helps it fine for a boundary.

First runs of the day. Lands it on leg, Brendan Taylor turns it to backward square leg for a single.

On a length, targeting the stumps, Brendan Taylor covers his line and blocks it back again.

Length again, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

On a length, on leg, Brendan Taylor fends it to short mid-wicket.

Ziaur Rahman to share the attack.

Maiden to start. Much fuller, outside off, Ben Curran shoulders arms at it.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran pushes it to mid off.

A slower bouncer, outside off, Ben Curran leaves it alone.

Three dots in a row. Good length, on middle, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.

Hard length, on middle and leg, Ben Curran tucks it to mid-wicket again.

Starts with a length ball, on middle and leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket.

All set for Day 2's play to begin. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Brendan Taylor and Ben Curran will resume their innings. Yamin Ahmadzai will start with the ball. Let's go...

Pitch Report - The pitch is similar to yesterday's, with some cracks appearing. However, the grass cover will help, and bowlers who hit the right areas can expect to get wickets.

We are all set for a critical day. Will Zimbabwe seize the initiative and bat long, or can Afghanistan mount a spirited fightback with the ball? Join us for all the action as Day 2 gets underway...

However, Afghanistan’s bowlers will be desperate for early breakthroughs. They rely heavily on the debutant Ziaur Rahman, who claimed both wickets on Day 1, including the crucial one of Nick Welch for 49. A couple of quick wickets could expose Zimbabwe's middle order and suddenly balance out the game.

The focus this morning will be squarely on Zimbabwe's two unbeaten batters, Ben Curran and Brendan Taylor. Curran, having already reached his second Test fifty and looking rock solid, will aim to convert this start into a massive score. Veteran Taylor, meanwhile, provides the experience to manage the innings. Zimbabwe will be looking to pile on the runs and build a lead that can effectively bat Afghanistan out of the game.

Welcome to Day 2 of the Test in Harare! The opening day clearly belonged to the hosts, Zimbabwe, who finished in a commanding position. After bowling out Afghanistan for a paltry 127, thanks to Brad Evans' brilliant 5/22, Zimbabwe's batters showed resilience. They ended the day on 130/2, having taken a slim but crucial 3-run lead.

... DAY 2, SESSION 1 ...

That's all for Day 1. The hosts hold a slender 3-run lead and will aim to extend it tomorrow. Afghanistan will look to strike early and mount a comeback. Tune in tomorrow at 8 am GMT and a bit early for the pre-match analysis. Until then, take care, and cheers!

With the chance to take control, Zimbabwe came out to bat and played smartly. They only lost two wickets by the end of the day. Ben Curran was the main batter, scoring a great 52 runs, and the experienced Brendan Taylor was with him on 18 runs. Zimbabwe are now at 130 runs, meaning they already have a small 3-run lead. They have finished the day strongly and will be aiming to bat for a long time tomorrow to build a huge lead and bury the Afghan team under pressure.

However, everything changed very quickly. Once Tanaka Chivanga finally broke the partnership, it was the start of a major disaster for Afghanistan. Zimbabwe’s bowlers suddenly became unstoppable. The star was Brad Evans, who bowled incredibly well to take 5 wickets for just 22 runs. Blessing Muzarabani helped him out with 3 wickets. The Afghan team completely fell apart, losing an unbelievable nine wickets for only 50 runs. They were all out for a very low score of 127 even before the tea break.

Day 1 started with Afghanistan trying to set a good score, and for a while, it looked like they might. They lost Ibrahim Zadran early, but Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Abdul Malik played well together and built a solid partnership of 54 runs for the second wicket. They were playing carefully and making sure the runs kept ticking over, putting the pressure back on the Zimbabwean bowlers. It seemed like Afghanistan was in control and heading towards a strong total.

It has got a bit dark here at the Harare Sports Club. The umpire takes the reading, and off come the bails! Stumps are called on Day 1. The hosts end on a high, leading by 3 runs with 8 wickets in the bank.

Short again, on leg, Ben Curran pulls it to square leg for one more.

Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to wide mid off for one.

Short, on leg, Ben Curran tugs it to square leg for one. Zimbabwe leads by a run now!

Back of a length, on leg, Brendan Taylor tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Short, on off, Brendan Taylor ducks under it.

Back of a length, on leg, Ben Curran pulls it through backward square leg for a single. Fifty up for Ben Curran. His second Test fifty.

Short, outside off, Ben Curran punches it through covers for one.

Slower one, on off, Brendan Taylor punches it to mid off for one.

Short, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid off.

Flatter, on off, Ben Curran knocks it down the ground for one.

Flatter, outside off, Brendan Taylor pushes it to mid off for one.

Too full, on off, Brendan Taylor leans on and blocks it back.

Too full, on off, Ben Curran drives it to the cover fielder.

On a length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back.

Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid on for one.

FOUR! Cheeky from Brendan Taylor! Short, on off, Brendan Taylor makes room and plays an uppercut over short third for a boundary.

Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back to the bowler.

On a length, outside off, Brian Bennett looks to play at it but misses.

Too full, on leg, Brendan Taylor knocks it down the ground for a single.

Quicker, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Brendan Taylor leans on and blocks it back.

FOUR! Well played! Much fuller, on off, Brendan Taylor picks it well and lifts it magnificently over mid off for a boundary.

Short, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it back.

Flatter, on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to mid-wicket fo one.

Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor flicks it to mid-wicket.

Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor punches it to mid off.

FOUR! Brendan Taylor is up and running! Much fuller, on leg, Brendan Taylor uses the pace of the ball and tickles it fine for a boundary.

Length again, outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves it alone.

On a length, on middle and leg, shaping away. Brendan Taylor looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A huge appeal for lbw but turned down. Perhaps missing leg.

Brendan Taylor comes in at number 4.

OUT! TIMBER! That's a ripper from Ziaur Rahman. On a length, just outside off, and it nips it late. Nick Welch looks to block it but gets beaten on the inside edge as the ball rattles over the off pole. Nick Welch departs for 49!

Short, on off, Ben Curran punches it to the cover fielder.

FOUR! Well played! Tossed up, on leg, Ben Curran uses the pace of the ball and helps it fine for a boundary.

Short, on leg, Nick Welch tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Lands it on leg, Ben Curran flicks it to square leg for a single.

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran drives it to the cover fielder.

Flatter, on off, Ben Curran blocks it to cover.

Length, on leg, Ben Curran helps it fine for a single. 100 comes up for Zimbabwe!

Much fuller, on off, Ben Curran blocks it back to the bowler.