Zimbabwe wins a rapid victory over Afghanistan

Abu Dhabi, March 3 (AFP/APP): A century from skipper Sean Williams coupled with destructive pace bowling from Blessing Muzarabani and Victor Nyauchi led Zimbabwe to a rapid 10-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Williams hit 105 to guide Zimbabwe to 250 all out before Afghanistan — trailing by 119 — were bowled out for 135 in their second innings. That left Zimbabwe to score 17 runs which they got without any loss to end the match inside two days. Afghanistan were bowled out for 131 in their first innings. Lanky pacer Muzarabani finished with 2-14 — six wickets in the match — while his new ball partner Nyauchi took 3-30, also getting six in the match.

Afghanistan were facing an innings defeat at 81-7 but opener Ibrahim Zadran fought hard during his 76 — his second half century — and added 48 for the eighth wicket with Amir Hamza who remained 21 not out. Zadran batted for three hours and hit ten boundaries. This becomes Afghanistan’s third defeat in five Tests since gaining status to play the five-day format in 2017.