When Sikandar Raza, captain of Zimbabwe Cricket, walked onto the field at Harare Sports Club on October 20, 2025, the air buzzed with a mix of optimism and nerves. The Test match – the second encounter between the hosts and the touring side – promised a dramatic swing, especially after Afghanistan’s modest 157 in the first innings left the home crowd hopeful. By the end of day five, however, the scoreboard told a different story, with Afghanistan clinching a 72‑run victory thanks to a heroic second‑innings total and a few unforgettable wickets.
Match Overview
During the second Test between Zimbabwe and AfghanistanHarare, the two sides locked horns in a classic seesaw battle. Zimbabwe, batting first, posted 243 runs, bolstered by a gritty 66 from Sean Williams and a late surge from Craig Ervine, who added 42. Afghanistan responded with 157, trailing by 86 runs after the first innings.
Instead of folding, the Afghans exploded in their second innings, compiling 363 runs. Opener Hashmatullah Shahidi anchored the innings with a composed 112, while middle‑order powerhouse Rahmanullah Gurbaz contributed a brisk 78 off 112 balls. The target set for Zimbabwe was 277 runs, a figure that looked comfortable on paper but proved too steep once the pair of spinners from Afghanistan began to bite.
In the chase, Zimbabwe managed 205, collapsing under pressure as Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Rashid Khan, claimed crucial wickets in quick succession. The final tally left Afghanistan ahead by 72 runs, sealing a memorable win on foreign soil.
Key Performances
- Hashmatullah Shahidi – 112 runs, 215 balls; his calm demeanor and deft footwork set the platform for Afghanistan’s comeback.
- Sikandar Raza – 45 runs and 3 wickets; the all‑rounder’s late‑order assault gave Zimbabwe a fighting chance.
- Craig Ervine – 42 runs and 2 catches; his leadership on the field never faltered.
- Rashid Khan – 4/62; the leg‑spinner’s variations proved too much for the Zimbabwean batsmen after the 150‑run partnership.
- Sean Williams – 66 runs; a solid start that anchored Zimbabwe’s first innings.
Turning Points
The match hinged on three pivotal moments. First, Shahidi’s century in the second innings erased the 86‑run deficit and put Afghanistan ahead by 277. Second, a decisive 5‑run over by Rashid Khan in the 48th over of Zimbabwe’s chase turned the momentum, as he bowled out Blessing Muzarabani for a duck, exposing the tail end. Finally, a dropped catch by Zimbabwe’s Patricia Hans (fielding coach) in the 32nd over cost the hosts a crucial wicket, allowing Afghanistan to stretch the lead further.
These moments, combined with strategic field placements by Afghanistan’s coach Andy Moles, underscored the importance of tactical flexibility in Test cricket.
Reactions and Analysis
Post‑match, Raza praised his team’s resilience: “We knew we had a chance after the first innings, but cricket is a game of patience. Our bowlers kept the pressure and the lower order did enough to keep us in contention.” Ervine, reflecting on the loss, said, “We missed a few easy chances. The spin department didn’t click the way we wanted, and that cost us dearly.” Shahidi, smiling despite the fatigue, added, “Winning away from home is always special. The guys gave their all, and it shows in the result.”
Cricket analysts from ESPN highlighted Afghanistan’s improved batting depth as the key factor. “Afghanistan’s ability to post a 363‑run total after a low first‑innings score demonstrates a growing confidence in their middle order,” noted analyst Harsha Bhogle.
What This Means for the Series
The victory gives Afghanistan a 1‑0 lead in the two‑match Test series, putting them in a favourable position heading into the final encounter at Bulawayo later this month. For Zimbabwe, the loss serves as a reminder that early leads must be consolidated with disciplined bowling and sharper fielding. The series will likely hinge on the spin duel and how both sides adapt to the differing pitch conditions across the country.
Looking ahead, both cricket boards have hinted at potential squad rotations. Afghanistan may rest Rashid Khan for the final Test to manage his workload, while Zimbabwe could bring in an extra seam bowler to strengthen their attack.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Afghanistan overturn a first‑innings deficit?
Afghanistan’s second‑innings surge, anchored by Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 112 and reinforced by aggressive contributions from Rahmanullah Gurbaz, pushed their total to 363. This set a challenging target of 277, which Zimbabwe couldn’t chase, allowing Afghanistan to win by 72 runs.
What were the standout individual performances?
Shahidi’s century, Rashid Khan’s 4‑for‑62 spell, and Raza’s all‑round effort (45 runs, 3 wickets) were decisive. Craig Ervine’s 42‑run knock also gave Zimbabwe a fighting start.
How does this result affect the upcoming third Test?
Afghanistan now leads the series 1‑0, meaning they need just a draw to secure the series win. Zimbabwe, on the other hand, must win the final Test outright, putting extra pressure on their bowlers and fielding unit.
What were the pitch conditions at Harare Sports Club?
The pitch started slow, favoring seamers, but it began to break up on day three, giving spinners like Rashid Khan extra turn. This shift was crucial in the latter stages of Zimbabwe’s chase.
Which players are likely to be rested or rotated before the next match?
Afghanistan may give Rashid Khan a rest to manage his workload, while Zimbabwe’s management is considering an extra seam bowler, possibly bringing in a young pacer from their domestic circuit.