Sean Williams' Heroics Propel Zimbabwe to 363/4 on Day 1 Against Afghanistan
Zimbabwe ended Day 1 of the first Test against Afghanistan in a commanding position at 363/4, thanks to an unbeaten 145 by Sean Williams. The skipper’s stellar knock was well-supported by Ben Curran's half-century on debut and Craig Ervine's composed 56*. Zimbabwe’s aggressive scoring, at nearly 4.3 runs per over, left Afghanistan on the back foot in Bulawayo.
Top Performances of the Day
- *Sean Williams (145 off 161)**: Williams was the star of the day, registering his fifth Test hundred. His innings featured three fifty-plus partnerships, including a 143-run unbroken stand with Ervine. His aggressive approach, with sixes off both spinners and pacers, set the tone for Zimbabwe's dominance.
- Ben Curran (68 off 74): The second Curran brother to enter international cricket made a brisk start, smashing four boundaries in one over off Zahir Khan. Despite falling before lunch, Curran’s knock provided the momentum Zimbabwe needed.
- *Craig Ervine (56 off 110)**: The experienced Ervine anchored the innings alongside Williams, ensuring Zimbabwe capitalized on their solid start.
Session Highlights
- Morning Session: Zimbabwe opted to bat and raced to 92/2 by lunch. Ben Curran’s aggressive strokeplay and Sean Williams’ boundary-filled start laid the foundation.
- Afternoon Session: Williams and Kaitano stitched together a 78-run stand, with Zimbabwe adding 112 runs in the session despite losing just one wicket. Williams brought up his fifty in style, setting the tone for a big score.
- Evening Session: Williams dominated the final session with explosive shots, including a towering six off Zahir Khan. Craig Ervine offered steady support as the duo kept Afghanistan’s bowlers at bay, frustrating them further with a century stand.
Drama with Williams’ Dismissal
Williams was momentarily given out caught at slip off a reverse sweep. However, a no-ball call saved him, and he continued his onslaught. Afghanistan’s fielders added to their woes, dropping Ervine late in the day.
Afghanistan’s Struggles
Despite some breakthroughs, Afghanistan’s bowlers had little to celebrate. AM Ghazanfar (2/83) was the most successful bowler but lacked consistent support from the others. Naveed Zadran and Zahir Khan faced punishment at the hands of Zimbabwe’s batters.
Day 2 Outlook
With Williams and Ervine at the crease, Zimbabwe looks set to post a mammoth first-innings total. Afghanistan will need early wickets on Day 2 to prevent the game from slipping further out of their hands.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 363/4 (Sean Williams 145*, Ben Curran 68, Craig Ervine 56*; AM Ghazanfar 2-83) vs Afghanistan.
Reference from:- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/1st-test-sean-williams-shines-with-unbeaten-145-as-zimbabwe-dominate-afghanistan-on-day-1/articleshow/116689877.cms