Rashid Khan powers Afghanistan to Test series win over Zimbabwe

Rashid Khan's exceptional seven-wicket performance led Afghanistan to a 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second Test in Bulawayo, securing a 1-0 series win after the first match ended in a draw. 

Zimbabwe, facing a daunting target of 278, were already on the brink of defeat heading into the final day at 205 for 8. They lost their last two wickets without adding to their overnight score.

Rashid could have claimed a wicket in his first over of the day, dismissing Richard Ngarava, had captain Hashmatullah Shahidi not dropped a chance at point after running in from cover. 

However, it did not matter as Ngarava was dismissed in the following over, run out by Shahidullah Kamal following a miscommunication with Craig Ervine. 

Ervine, who had kept Zimbabwe's hopes alive in the first innings with his 75, was then trapped leg before, handing Rashid his seventh wicket and Afghanistan their victory.

Earlier in the match, Afghanistan had turned the tide through brilliant centuries from Rahmat Shah (139) and Ismat Alam (101), posting a challenging total for the hosts, despite trailing Zimbabwe’s first-innings score.

Zimbabwe's first innings relied heavily on three senior batters, Sikandar Raza (61), Ervine (75), and Sean Williams (49), who led their charge past Afghanistan’s first-innings total. 

However, Zimbabwe’s resistance faltered in the second innings as Rashid struck with crucial wickets on Day 4. 

Although Raza, Ben Curran, and Takudzwanashe Kaitano got starts, Rashid removed each of them. 

Ervine attempted a defiant knock, but the middle and lower order crumbled under the pressure, and Zimbabwe were bowled out, with Rashid claiming his 11th wicket of the match to seal the victory.

This is Afghanistan's fourth Test win, with one victory each against Bangladesh and Ireland, and two wins over Zimbabwe.