ZIM vs AFG 2nd Test Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match Between Zimbabwe Vs Afghanistan?

Afghanistan to face Zimbabwe in second Test from January 2 [Source: @ZimCricketv/X.com]

Zimbabwe will host Afghanistan in the second Test match of the 2-game series. The clash will begin from January 2 to 6, scheduled at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo starting from 1.30 PM IST.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe will be relieved to have secured a draw in the first Test against Afghanistan despite posting a massive 586 in their first innings on a flat pitch. Sean Williams was the best scorer in this match as he made 154 runs with support from Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett as both crossed 100 runs mark. 

However, Afghanistan responded strongly with 699 runs, and Zimbabwe's bowlers struggled to make inroads, failing to take a wicket for an entire day. With a deficit in the first innings, the hosts reached 142/4 before rain ended the game, denying the visitors a chance to claim victory.

Afghanistan

Meanwhile, Afghanistan showed resilience in the first Test against Zimbabwe despite a flat pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers. After Zimbabwe posted a mammoth 586 runs, Afghanistan found themselves under pressure early, losing two wickets quickly. Rahat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, however, batted through the whole of day three and set a strong platform, scoring 234 and 246 runs, respectively. 

Afsar Zazai added 113 runs for Afghanistan to take it to 699. With limited time left, Afghanistan fought back and reduced Zimbabwe to 142/4 in 34 overs. Unfortunately, rain prevented any further developments, and the match ended in a draw. 

---

ALSO READ

Queens Sports Club Bulawayo Weather Report For Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 2nd Test

---

ZIM vs AFG: Head-to-head in Tests

How will the Queens Sports Club pitch behave?

The Queens Sports Club pitches offer a well-balanced challenge from both the batting and bowling sides. With a good mix of support for both sides, the surface is likely to test the skills of the players. Batters can capitalise early on in the game, especially when batting first, and may put up a substantial total. However, as the game progresses, the bowlers may find opportunities to make an impact. Given the type of pitch, both teams have to adapt as soon as possible to the situation, and whoever manages the pitch better will definitely gain an upper hand.

ZIM vs AFG: Players to watch out for in 2nd Test

Zimbabwe

Sean Williams: Williams was the standout batsman for Zimbabwe, playing a composed and aggressive knock of 154 runs off 174 balls, hitting 10 boundaries. His century anchored Zimbabwe's innings, providing stability and allowing the team to post a massive total of 586 in the first innings.

Brian Bennett: Bennett was another key figure in Zimbabwe's strong first-innings performance, scoring 110 runs from 124 balls, including 5 boundaries. His strike rate of 88.71 was similarly impressive, showing he was able to play both aggressively and strategically.

Craig Ervine: Ervine, one of Zimbabwe's most experienced players, scored a patient 104 runs from 176 balls, featuring 10 boundaries. Though his strike rate was lower (59.09), his contribution was crucial in building partnerships and stabilizing the innings.

Newman Nyamhuri: Nyamhuri bowled 23 overs, picking up 1 wicket for 82 runs, with an economy rate of 3.57. Though not as successful as Bennett or Williams, his efforts were still significant in trying to break through Afghanistan's top order.

Afghanistan

Rahmat Shah: Rahmat Shah played a crucial role in Afghanistan's first innings, scoring 195 runs off 357 balls with 20 boundaries. His patient knock had a strike rate of 54.62, showcasing his ability to build an innings and anchor the team's efforts. 

Hashmatullah Shahidi: Shahidi played a solid supporting role with 179 runs from 367 balls, hitting 18 boundaries. His strike rate of 48.77 indicates his more conservative approach, yet his stability and partnerships with Rahmat Shah were vital to Afghanistan's big total. 

Afsar Zazai: Zazai provided the middle-order firepower, scoring 46 runs off 87 balls with 3 boundaries. His strike rate of 52.87 was higher than Shahidi's, showcasing his more aggressive batting approach. Zazai's quick-fire contributions helped Afghanistan reach a formidable total.

Allah Ghazanfar: Ghazanfar bowled 30.2 overs, claiming 3 wickets for 127 runs at an economy rate of 4.19. His efforts helped Afghanistan break partnerships and keep Zimbabwe's score in check.

Today's Match Prediction: ZIM vs AFG 2nd Test

Predicted Top Performers

Zimbabwe – Sean Williams,  Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett

Afghanistan – Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Allah Ghazanfar

ZIM vs AFG 2nd Test: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 350-400

Predicted second innings score: 400-450

Predicted third innings score: 250-300

Predicted fourth innings score: 200-220

Predicted Result: The team batting first will likely have an advantage in this match.

---

ALSO READ

Hashmatullah Shahidi Becomes First Afghan Cricketer To Slam Two Double Tons In Tests

---