![ZIM vs AFG [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman cleans up Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of the primary Check](https://i1.wp.com/crickettimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Zia-ur-Rehmans-brilliant-spin-bowling-dismissed-Brandon-Mavuta-for-a-duck.webp?ssl=1 "ZIM vs AFG [WATCH]: Zia-ur-Rehman cleans up Brandon Mavuta with an absolute jaffa on Day 2 of the primary Check")
On Day 2 of the primary Check between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan on the Queens Sports activities Membership in Bulawayo, Afghanistan’s left-arm off-spinner Zia-ur-Rehman offered a much-needed breakthrough for his group. He clear bowled Zimbabwe’s lower-order batter, Brandon Mavuta, who was dismissed for a duck. The wicket got here within the 111th over of Zimbabwe’s innings, when Mavuta confronted simply two deliveries.
Brandon Mavuta’s dismissal: A traditional off-spinners delight
In a superbly executed supply, Rehman bowled a left-arm off-spin that pitched on leg stump and spun sharply to strike the highest of off stump. Mavuta, making an attempt to defend, performed the incorrect line, and the ball turned viciously to hit the stumps. The dismissal got here at a important second, as Mavuta was despatched packing for a duck. Rehman’s celebration was a testomony to the standard of his bowling, and it was an important wicket for Afghanistan.
Right here is the video:
— Acb Xtra (@123of143) December 27, 2024
Earlier than taking Mavuta’s wicket, Rehman had already made an impression by dismissing Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine. Ervine, who had been in very good type, was the highest scorer for Zimbabwe with an impressive 104 runs. His dismissal at such an important level introduced some reduction to Afghanistan, easing the strain on their bowlers. Rehman’s well timed breakthroughs have been pivotal in slowing down Zimbabwe’s dominating momentum.
Additionally READ: Zimbabwe’s batting fireworks result in historic excessive towards Afghanistan on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Check
Zimbabwe’s dominant batting efficiency
Regardless of Rehman’s efforts, Zimbabwe’s batting efficiency of their first innings was distinctive. After successful the toss and selecting to bat first, Zimbabwe posted a mammoth complete of 586. The innings featured three centurions: Sean Williams, Brian Bennett, and the aforementioned Ervine. The Zimbabwean batsmen have been in full management, with their partnership constructing steadily, leaving Afghanistan struggling to interrupt via.
Afghanistan’s response has been difficult, as they reached 95 for the lack of two wickets by the top of Day 2. They path Zimbabwe by a large 491 runs, going through an uphill battle to match Zimbabwe’s complete.