on The first day of the historic Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan At Queen's Sports Club in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe put in a strong performance, ending the day with a score of 363 for 4. The match, which was Zimbabwe's first home boxing Test in 28 years, featured several new players from both sides, adding to the excitement. From the meeting.
An early setback and the influential emergence of Ben Curran
Zimbabwe chose to bat first after winning the toss. The day started with some early nerves as the match opened Joylord Gumby He was fired early. but, Ben Curranon his Test debut, was truly impressive. He contributed a quick 68 off 74 balls, setting a positive tone for the innings.
Sean Williams shines with a stunning century
Although it was Sean Williams Who stole the show, as he made a sensational century and remained unbeaten on 145. His innings was characterized by deft footwork and a range of shots, including lobs, cuts and pulls, which helped him reach his fifth Test century in Bulawayo with a control percentage of 90 on a pitching surface in turn.
also Read: ZIM vs AFG: Here's why Rashid Khan didn't play the Boxing Day Test
Craig Irvine's steady support in the crucial partnership
support williams, Craig Irvin He played an unbeaten knock of 56, contributing to a sustained partnership of 143 for the sixth wicket. Earlier, Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Dion Myers added useful runs with scores of 27 and 27 respectively, although they were unable to convert their starts into big innings.
Afghanistan are struggling in their bowling in the absence of Rashid Khan
For Afghanistan, the absence of a star player Rashid Khanwho withdrew for personal reasons, felt the bowling attack was struggling to make headway. God is Ghazanfaron his Test debut, picked up two wickets but was unable to prevent Zimbabwe from posting a strong total. The Afghan bowlers, especially the spinners, found it difficult to contain the Zimbabwean batsmen on a pitch that seemed to favor the hosts.
The day was also marked by weather concerns, with the forecast calling for rain throughout the game, which could impact the progress of the game. However, on the first day, play was not interrupted, allowing Zimbabwe to gain a dominant position.
also Read: AUS vs IND: This is why Team India players are wearing black armbands on day two of the fourth Test against Australia
Here's how Twitter reacted
Fifth Test ton for Shaun Williams π#ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/AB3U4XWzr9
– International Criminal Court (@ICC) December 26, 2024
Sean Williams! Our Zimbabwean legend has transcended boundaries for a remarkable century.
Fifth in Test cricket is exceptional for Zimbabwe.
So proud! Onwards we go! pic.twitter.com/2amMf7nLbc
– Adam TheoπΏπΌπ (@AdamTheofilatos) December 26, 2024
I've said it in the past, and I'll say it again.
Shaun Williams is Zimbabwe's greatest ever cricketer. pic.twitter.com/7QpmZ9Dnwv
β Odette (@Merovaeous) December 26, 2024
Take a bow Sean Williams! You have lifted the mood of the whole Zimbabwe ππ»ππ»
Smashing a Test century against the likes of Ghazanfar, Zaheer and Umarzai is no easy feat!
It's sad to see him playing just 16 Tests all these years.
β Krishna Raj (@rajkrishna52) December 26, 2024
Shaun Williams' 5th Test century π#ZIMvAFG #Visit Zimbabwe π https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/sttqmkEA5T
β Cricket in Zimbabwe (@ZimCricketv) December 26, 2024
A brilliant strike from Shaun Williams as he celebrates his Test century in Bulawayo
via @Adamtheophilatos pic.twitter.com/5cRhb3FU4G
– Zim Celebs (@zimcelebs1) December 26, 2024
Shawn Williams with BIG 100 for @ZimCricketv And his family. What a hit! This is the topic β€οΈπΏπΌπ #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/ooC5vGWB8n
β Mamzi (@GodwillMamhiyo) December 26, 2024
Shawn Williams is back to his best. pic.twitter.com/jkR0ZGwmUj
β Sulay πβοΈ (@ Sulay177) December 26, 2024
Led by Shaun Williams' unbeaten 145, Zimbabwe scored 363 for 4 on the opening day against Afghanistan. #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/uoDGZKC4DM
– Olivia Asha (@AshaOliviaUSA) December 26, 2024
What a role for Sean Williams #ZIMvAFG
β Koala (@bandaofrabb) December 26, 2024