Curran’s Maiden Century Puts Zim in Command Against Afghanistan

 

Day Two of the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club once again belonged to Zimbabwe, who built a commanding 198-run lead over Afghanistan.

Ben Curran was the star of the day, crafting a superb maiden Test century of 121 to guide Zimbabwe to 359 all out, giving them a strong first-innings advantage of 232 runs. 

The left-hander anchored the innings with composure, sharing a 97-run stand with Nick Welch — who narrowly missed a fifty on 49 — and another 99-run partnership with Sikandar Raza, whose brisk 65 kept the scoreboard moving.

Afghanistan found some relief late in the innings through Ziaur Rahman, who produced a remarkable spell to claim 7 for 97, tearing through Zimbabwe’s middle and lower order.

 However, Brad Evans’ resilient 35 and a valuable 24-run last-wicket partnership with Tanaka Chivanga further stretched the hosts’ lead and frustrated the visitors.

Afghanistan’s reply began on a shaky note, ending the day on 34 for one — still trailing by 198 runs. Richard Ngarava struck early, dismissing Abdul Malik for just two, with Blessing Muzarabani completing the catch at long leg.