Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
DAY Two of the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club once again belonged to Zimbabwe, with a lead of 198 runs over Afghanistan, characterised by a maiden Test century from Ben Curran and a resilient lower-order fightback led by Brad Evans.
Ben Curran was the toast of the Harare crowd, scoring a fluent 121 to anchor Zimbabwe’s innings and push the hosts to 359 all out, a commanding first-innings lead of 232 runs.
The 29-year-old shared a 97-run stand with Nick Welch, who fell agonisingly short of a half-century on 49, before adding another 99 runs alongside Sikandar Raza.
Raza contributed a brisk 65 before Afghanistan hit back through Ziaur Rahman, who ripped through the middle and lower order to claim brilliant figures of seven for 97.
Despite the fall of wickets, Zimbabwe’s tail wagged, Brad Evans added a valuable 35, while his last-wicket partnership with Tanaka Chivanga chipped in 24 crucial runs to stretch the lead further.
In reply, Afghanistan reached 34 for one at stumps, still trailing by 198.
Richard Ngarava struck early, removing Abdul Malik for 2, caught by Blessing Muzarabani at long leg.
With three days left, Zimbabwe are firmly in control, the challenge now is to maintain the pressure and drive home the advantage.
