It was a mixed day in the office for the Zimbabwe Chevrons as Brendan Taylor’s century and a late contribution from Brad Evans helped Zimbabwe post 339, before their bowlers reduced Afghanistan to 159 for 6 at stumps on the second day of the second Test in Sharjah.
Afghanistan still trail Zimbabwe by 180 runs with four wickets remaining as action resumes this morning.
Zimbabwe, who were 250 for 5 overnight, added 89 runs before eventually being bowled out yesterday.
Taylor, unbeaten on 96 on day one, brought up his century off 171 balls, with 12 fours and a six.
He eventually fell for 119 runs off 217 balls.
Brad Evans, coming at number eight, struck 32 not out to help Zimbabwe extend their total.
But Afghanistan’s debutant left-arm spinner Naseer Khan Maroofkhil was the standout bowler, adding three wickets to his four from the opening day.
He dismissed Taylor early in the morning session when the batter missed a reverse sweep against a full delivery that struck him in front, giving Naseer his fifth wicket.
Naseer then struck twice in successive deliveries in the 110th over, trapping Graeme Cremer lbw before bowling Vincent Masekesa with a delivery that spun past his bat and hit off stump.
He finished with seven for 151 runs, the second-best figures by an Afghanistan bowler on Test debut.
Afghanistan’s reply got off to a poor start with the bat as they slipped to 27 for two inside the first 10 overs.
They went to tea at 54 for two, with Rahmanullah Gurbaz on 21 and Hashmatullah Shahidi on 13.
Afghanistan crossed 100 in the 27th over, but lost wickets at regular intervals thereafter.
They were 115 for four in the next hour before Afsar Zazai and Ikram Alikhil attempted to steady the innings.
Afghanistan lost their fifth wicket at 136 runs, and were reduced to six down by stumps.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Blessing Muzarabani taking three and Masakesa claiming two.
Zazai remained unbeaten on 33, with Naseer on three, as Zimbabwe ended the day firmly on top.
Unfortunately, it was off-field action that ended dominating the headlines as Chevrons Justin Sammons handed his resignation.
Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) confirmed the news, adding that Sammons will step down as head coach after the ongoing second Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah.
He tendered his resignation saying he wanted to return home to South Africa to spend more time with his family.
The ongoing second Test concludes Zimbabwe’s tour of the United Arab Emirates.
Sammons took charge in June 2024.
During his tenure, Zimbabwe recorded historic Test victories and reached the Super Eight at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, their best finish at the tournament.
“It was very difficult for us to accept Justin’s resignation, but we understand and respect his decision to return home to be with his family,” ZC managing director Givemore Makoni said.
“Justin has worked hard to help our players improve and the team’s progress under his leadership was evident in some memorable Test wins and in the way Zimbabwe competed at the T20 World Cup.
“On behalf of Zimbabwe Cricket, I thank him for his commitment and wish him and his family all the best.”
Sammons described leading the Zimbabwe men’s side as an incredible experience.
“Leading the Zimbabwe men’s national team has been an incredible experience, one that I will always look back on with great memories,” he said.
“I must thank the Zimbabwe Cricket Board for allowing me the opportunity to work with this team, as well as everyone within Zimbabwe Cricket, from the administration to the ground staff, who have always given their all in helping the team move forward.
“Importantly, I must thank the players and technical staff for their continued commitment in striving to improve — they made my time in Zimbabwe one that I will always be grateful for.
“However, it is important for me to now move back home to allow for time with the family. I know the team will continue to improve moving forward and I wish them all success.” — Zimpapers Sports Hub/Wires
