Zimbabwe in charge after Muzarabani rocks Afghanistan: 2nd Test, Day 2 (Sharjah)

Zimbabwe gained a strong advantage on Day 2 of the second Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah, dismissing the hosts for 339 before reducing them to 159 for 6 in their first innings.

Brendan Taylor continued his outstanding batting form with a superb 119, while Innocent Kaia narrowly missed a century, scoring 96, and Ben Curran added 44. Afghanistan’s Naseer Khan Maroofkhil was the standout bowler, claiming an impressive seven wickets for 151 to prevent Zimbabwe from building an even bigger total.

Afghanistan struggled in reply against a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack, losing six wickets and finishing the day trailing by 180 runs. Rahmanullah Zadran top-scored with 34, while Afsar Zazai remained unbeaten on 33, providing some resistance in the lower order.

Blessing Muzarabani led Zimbabwe’s attack with three wickets for 31, leaving Afghanistan facing a difficult task on Day 3 with only four wickets remaining.

Afghanistan 159 for 6 (Rahmanullah 34, Zazai 33*, Muzarabani 3-31) trail Zimbabwe 339 (Taylor 119, Kaia 96, Naseer 7-151) by 180 runs.

Nov 2026.