Afghanistan scent victory after debutant Ismat century: 2nd Test, Day 4 (Bulawayo)

Ismat Alam struck a superb century on debut as Afghanistan turned the tables on Zimbabwe with a dominant display on day 4 at Bulawayo.

Ismat, who had come into his debut Test with a first-class average of 92, made 101 to help Afghanistan finish on 363, setting Zimbabwe 278 to win.

Zimbabwe collapsed to 99-4 at one stage. Craig Ervine (53 not out) stood firm and is the key for Zimbabwe; they are 73 runs from their target but have just two wickets in hand. Leg spinner Rashid took 6-66 as Zimbabwe closed on 205-8.

Zimbabwe 243 and 205 for 8 (Ervine 53*, Rashid 6-66, Zia 2-44) need 73 runs to beat Afghanistan 157 and 363 (Rahmat 139, Ismat 101, Muzarabani 6-95).

Jan 2025.