अफगानिस्तान vs ज़िम्बाब्वे, दूसरा टेस्ट Commentary, Live Updates

No run, that is punched off the back foot but straight to the fielder.

Fuller one, trying to spear it into the pads, but this is spilled down the leg side. Great take from Ikram Alikhil diving to his left.

Good length in the channel, blocked off the front foot by Tsiga.

Zia hits the deck hard, bowling it on a good length and outside off. Tsiga defends it down to point.

The second new ball is now available for Afghanistan. They don't take it straight away, as Ziaur Rahman has just got a wicket with the old ball, which is reversing a bit as well.

Quicker and flatter, angled into the pads. Tsiga flicks it past short leg and gets it through mid-wicket for a single.

Nagging length around off, Tsiga gets well forward and defends it off.

Pushed through a bit fuller and quicker, on middle and leg, but Tsiga stays solid in defence.

Nicely floated up, around off, and not all that full. Tafadzwa Tsiga gets a big stride in and makes the block.

Sliding it into the pads now, and Taylor works it past square leg for a single.

Tossed up on off stump, Taylor blocks it off.

Tafadzwa Tsiga is the new batter in.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Ziaur Rahman is delighted and Afghanistan have got a late wicket on Day 1. Rahman pitches the ball on a shorter length and gets the ball to jump off the deck a bit. Antum Naqvi is taken aback and gets squared up. Naqvi fends it off the outside edge and straight into the hands of Rahmanullah at first slip. Rahmanullah makes no mistake and Zimbabwe are now 247/5.

Good length, wide of the off stump and left alone by Taylor, his 40th dot ball out of the 43 balls he's faced in this innings.

Nagging length from Ziaur, attacking the stumps again, and Naqvi just blocks it off.

Pitched up on off and middle, angled in from wider on the crease. Naqvi drives it straight to mid on.

Excellent running between the wickets. Full-ish length, on middle, and Taylor just jabs it down to the right of mid on and scampers through for a single.

Pitched up on a length, seaming back in from just outside off. Taylor gets half a stride forward and blocks it off.

Ziaur Rahman comes back in to replace Yamin Ahmadzai.

Nicely flighted, a bit full and on off stump, watchfully defended by Naqvi, who's now on 8 off 40 balls.

Slightly short and well wide of the off stump. Naqvi rocks back and cuts hard but can't get it past the fielder at a deepish cover-point.

Fuller delivery on middle, Naqvi takes the front leg out and defends it down the pitch.

Darted in on middle and leg, flicked away through the square leg region for a single by Taylor.

FOUR! Cheeky and skillful from Taylor. Bowled flatter on the pads, angling down leg. Taylor nonchalantly paddles it 'round the corner and the ball rolls away into the fine leg fence. Taylor is now into the 90s.

Slower through the air, not all that full and around middle. Taylor dabs it down to silly mid on.

Pitched up wide of the off stump, going away from the right-hander this time. Naqvi backs away to go over covers but misses to connect.

On a length, slanting back into the legs, Naqvi mistimes the flick and hits it straight to a deepish square leg. There is a fumble from the fielder but no single is taken.

Full-pitched delivery around off stump, Naqvi drives it along the turf but finds the fielder at mid off.

Good length on middle, nips back into the pads, and Naqvi tucks it down to square leg.

Pitched up around off, reversing back into the right-hander. Naqvi blocks it back to the bowler.

Good length, in and around off, nudged away into the gap between point and cover for an easy single.

The artificial lights are on at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Long shadows have started to form, and it doesn't look like we would be able to get the full quoat of 90 overs completed on Day 1.

Tossed up, fuller and just outside off. Naqvi gets onto the front foot to defend again.

Slower one on off and middle, not all that full and this one grips a bit. Naqvi watchfully defends.

Floated up, full and on off stump, blocked off by Naqvi.

SIX! BANG! Antum Naqvi has been really patient to begin with, but he now unleashes a big shot. Tossed up on middle, Naqvi skips down the track and whacks it down the ground, straight into the sight screen for a biggie.

Half-hearted appeal for LBW, but that's clearly off the bat. Slower and angled into the stumps, Taylor gets across for the cheeky paddle but gets it more off the gloves and towards backward square leg for a single.

Nagging length, dropping it a bit short in front of off stump. Taylor gets forward to defend.

DRINKS! The final hydration break of the day, and things have changed quite a bit in this final session on Day 1. For two sessions, Zimbabwe were well out in front, but Afghanistan have clawed their way back thanks to some superb bowling by debutant Naseer Maroofkhil. Naseer has picked up all 4 wickets so far, and will be hoping to make it a five-fer before the day ends. Also, 5 overs are left before the second new ball can be taken, and that might things even more interesting. For Zimbabwe, Brendan Taylor is going strong on 87 and holds the key for them.

Pitched quite full and on off stump, Naqvi takes the front leg out and smacks it down to mid on. A string of five dots to end that over.

Length ball outside off, just nibbling away a bit. Naqvi shoulders arms, and Ikram Alikhil, who is now up to the stumps, gathers it sharply.

Short of a good length, angled in from outside off. Naqvi stays back and punches it sweetly but straight to short extra cover.

Fuller now, in and around off, Antum Naqvi yet again shows the full face of the blade, and drives it into the deck. Yamin Ahmadzai manages to makes more than a half stop in his followthrough.

Hard length around off, slanting it back in. Naqvi stays upright and plays it with a vertical bat, punching it back toward the bowler.

Tap and run, easily done by Taylor. Back of a length and outside off, Taylor nudges it down with gentle hands toward the vacant point region and jogs across for the single.

Flatter and around off, Naqvi rocks back and punches it out on the off side.

A couple of balls ago, the umpire atually issued a first official warning to Naseer Maroofkhil for running onto the danger area in his followthrough.

Dragged length, landing it around leg stump, and this one holds in the deck. Taylor jabs at it and plays it uppishly through mid on for a single.

A bit fuller and quicker on off, Naqvi punches it to extra cover and runs with the shot, managing to scamper through for a single.

Slower through the air, floating it up around middle. Naqvi lunges and blocks it back to the bowler.

Fuller one, drifted into middle and leg. Naqvi defends with a straight bat.

Flighted ball, on the stumps, and dipping on the batter. Naqvi gets a bit side on before blocking it off.

Full-pitched delivery on off stump. Taylor lets the ball come on, before smothering it back past the bowler. The fielder at mid off is quick to cut it off to his right.

Naqvi is finally off the mark, on the 18th delivery. Short of a good length, straighter in line, Naqvi rocks back and forces it out to the left of mid on for a quick single.

Hard length, wide of the off stump and this is slapped away to sweeper cover for a single.

Dug in short now, just outside off and angling it in. Taylor gets up on his toes, looking to play the ramp shot but he fails to lay a bat on it.

Good length, just outside the line of off stump. Taylor goes back and across to the off side, covering the line and blocking it off.

Slightly pitched up, around the fourth-stump line, and Taylor punches it out to extra cover.

Yet to get off the mark, is Antum Naqvi. Pushed through fuller and straighter, Naqvi blocks it from his crease.

Bowled flatter now, pushing it through on off stump. Naqvi rocks back and pushes it out to mid off.

Floated up again, around off, and Naqvi keeps it out.

Tossed up on off stump, Naqvi comes down the pitch before adjusting and just poking it back down the pitch.

Flighted delivery around off, drawing the batter forward. Taylor doesn't quite reach the pitch of the ball but manages to hit it wide of mid off for a quick single.

Floated up at the stumps, Taylor leans on and pushes it down to mid on.

Length ball wide of the off stump, left alone for the keeper to collect by Naqvi

Full-ish length outside off, nurdled away in front of point by Taylor for a single.

Pitched up wide of the off stump, and Taylor just lets it through to the keeper.

Length again, this time outside off. Taylor presents the full face of the blade and defends it to extra cover.

Good length on off, this one cuts back in a bit. Taylor looks to defend it off the front foot but gets an inside edge towards leg gully.

Pitched up around off, Taylor leans across to get inside the line and plays a whippy shot, aerially and though mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Nicely bowled, and that will be another maiden for Maroofkhil. Floated up on the stumps, drifting back in. Naqvi lunges and defends it down the pitch.

A smidge fuller, sliding it back into the stumps. Naqvi plays with a straight bat and stabs it down to mid on.

Good length on off, blocked from the crease by Antum Naqvi.

Dragged length on off, Naqvi hops back and jams it back down the pitch.

Slower through the air, on middle and leg, and there's a bit of grip on off. Naqvi taps it down to the right of the bowler.

Tossed up on middle, Naqvi comes down the pitch and drives it back to the bowler, who parries it behind.

Wider on the crease, hitting a good length and pushing it back in from outside off. Taylor solidly blocks it on the front foot.

FOUR! Picked up and dispatched. Full and on the pads, Taylor picks it off his legs and whips it up and over the square leg region for a boundary.

Pitched up to the batter, in and around off. Taylor drives it out to cover.

Good-length delivery, around the top of off. Taylor strides across and defends.

Taylor keeps throwing caution to the wind. Full of a good length outside off, Taylor throws his hands at it, slicing it over the mid off fielder and picks up a couple of runs.

Pitched up on a length, just outside off. Taylor gets well forward and solidly blocks it to covers.

A quick maiden for Naseer. Floated up on off stump, Naqvi lunges ahead and blocks it off.

Bowled into the pitch, angling it into the pads. Naqvi flicks it straight to square leg.

Nice and full, outside off. Naqvi defends it in front of extra cover.

A bit fuller now, at the stumps, angling back in. Naqvi smothers it away wide of mid on.

Straighter in line, flatter again, and Naqvi blocks it to mid on.

Bowled flatter, honing it in at the off stump. Antum Naqvi punches it out to mid on.

Full-ish length, reversing back into the pads. Taylor clips it in front of square leg.

Full of a good length, attacking middle stump, andTaylor blocks it off.

Taylor goes for the wristy flick again, but doesn't quite time it well. Fuller and angling into middle and leg, Taylor chips it just over mid-wicket and picks up a couple of runs.

Good length again, targeting the pads this time, and Taylor flicks it to square leg.

FOUR! Stylishly done. Hard length on middle, Taylor leans forward and uses his wrists, chipping it over wide mid-wicket and picks up a boundary.

A hint of reverse swing right away. Full of a good length, reversing back into middle. Taylor watchfully defends it to mid on.

Antum Naqvi is the next batter in. Also, Yamin Ahmadzai is broight back into the attack.

A four-fer on debut for Naseer Maroofkhil.

OUT! CAUGHT! An excellent catch, running backward from mid off, sends Wessly Madhevere back. Quicker one, on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere looks to take Naseer down but mishits this behind mid off, Zia-ur-Rehman backtracks, puts in the dive and holds onto a good catch to send WM back.

Fuller on off, Brendan Taylor drives this to extra cover for one.

Under-cutter, around off, Brendan Taylor shimmies down the track and tuckas this to mid on for no run.

Darted on the pads, Wessly Madhevere tucks this through mid-wicket for a run.

Fired around off, Brendan Taylor pushes this through mid on for a single.

Floated on the pads, Brendan Taylor keeps it out.

Back of a length, on the pads, Wessly Madhevere blocks it on the leg side.

Back of a length, on off, Wessly Madhevere blocks it.

Good length, on off, Wessly Madhevere punches this to extra cover for no run.

Good length, on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere defends this to the leg side.

Full and on off, Wessly Madhevere pushes this towards mid off for no run.

Back of a length, on off, Wessly Madhevere defends it.

DRINKS! Zimbabwe might have lost a couple in quick succession but they are still in a really solid position at 209 for 3 after 64 overs. Afghanistan will need to take a wicket or 2 atleast to feel that they've had a good oouting as well.

Pushed through on off, Brendan Taylor defends it.

Too full, on the pads, Brendan Taylor blocks it.

Fuller on the pads, Wessly Madhevere paddles this to the backward square leg region for one.

Floated on the pads, Wessly Madhevere blocks this to the right of the bowler.

Quicker one, on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere defends it out.

Quicker one, on off, Wessly Madhevere gets low and keeps it out.

Good length, on the pads, Wessly Madhevere tucks this to square leg for a single.

Full toss on off, Brendan Taylor rolls this to mid on for a dot.

Back of a length, around off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

Short one, around off, Brendan Taylor keeps his guard down and sways away from it.

Bouncer, down the leg side. Brendan Taylor sits under it.

Good length, on off, Brendan Taylor gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.

Fired onto the pads, Wessly Madhevere tucsk this to the short leg fielder.

Darted on middle and off, Wessly Madhevere defends it towards mid off.

Fired on off, Wessly Madhevere blocks it out.

Tossed up, around off, Wessly Madhevere punches this to mid off.

Pushed through on the pads, Wessly blocks it.

Quicker one, on off, Wessly Madhevere blocks it off his back foot.

On a length, around off, Brendan Taylor blocks this off his front foot.

Good length, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it out.

FOUR! Excellent from Taylor. Bouncer, around off, Brendan Taylor initially looks to sit underneath it but decides to play the upper-cut over the keeper's head for a boundary behind the stumps.

Good length, wide outside off, Brendan Taylor shoulders his arms at it.

Full and wide outside off, Brendan Taylor presses on his front foot and keeps it out.

Back of a length, on off, Brendan Taylor rocks back and keeps it out off his back foot.

Wessly Madhevere is in at 5.

OUT! CAUGHT! A 6-ball duck for the skipper of Zimbabwe. Quicker one, on middle and leg, Brian Bennett rocks back and goes for the pull. Mishits this towards Afsar Zazai at the mid-wicket region. Zazai takes a decent catch at mid-wicket and Brian has to walk back. Two quick wickets for Afghanistan as Naseer Maroofkhil continues to shine.

Fired onto the pads, Brian Bennett rocks back and blocks it.

Slider, on leg, Brian Bennett punches this to mid off.

Floated on off, Brian Bennett blocks it around the leg side.

Short of a length, around middle and off, Brian Bennett rocks back and hits this off the sticker of his bat in front of extra cover for no run.

Quicker one, on off, Brian Bennett blocks it out.

Good length, around off, Brendan Taylor blocks it.

Full and wide outside off, Brendan Taylor shoulders his arms at it.

The ball has lost its shape and a bit of leather is peeling off the surface. Rahmat Shah immediately shows it to the umpire to request a replacement. The umpire agrees and signals for the fourth umpire to bring out the box of used balls of a similar overs.

Hard length, around off, Brendan Taylor gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.

On a length, around the pads, Brendan Taylor tucks this to the square leg region and runs a brace.

On a length, around off, Brendan Taylor blocks it.

Good length, wide of off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

Brian Bennett is the next batter for Zimbabwe.

OUT! LBW! Innocent Kaia gets beaten on the defense and has to take the long walk back, just 4 short of his century. Under-cutter, on middle and off, Innocent Kaia clears his front foot and goes for a sweep but misses out. A loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Innocent Kaia departs on 96 off 167.

Floated on the pads, Brendan Taylor clips this through mid on for a single. 200 comes up for the Chevrons.

Darted on the pads, Brendan Taylor keeps it out.

Fired around off, Taylor blocks it.

Tossed up, on off, Brendan Taylor gets on top of the bounce and blocks it.

Fuller on off, Brendan Taylor keeps it out.

Short one, down the leg side, Innocent Kaia ducks down.

Boucner, on off, Innocent Kaia sits underneath it.

On a length, around middle and off, Taylor pushes this down the ground for a single.

Good length, on middle and off, Brendan Taylor presses onto his front foot and keeps it out.

Good length, on middle and off, Brendan Taylor blocks it off his front foot.

Short and on middle and off, Innocent Kaia hooks this to fine leg for a single.

Way too full, on the pads, Innocent Kaia clips this to square leg for a single.

Fuller on middle and off, Brendan Taylor chips this in front of long off and rotates the strike.

Darted on middle and off, Innocent Kaia tucks this through mid-wicket for one.

Way too full, on the pads, Brendan Taylor sweeps this a bit uppish but well short of the deep backward square leg fielder for one run.

Fuller on middle and off, Brendan Taylor tucks this to mid-wicket.

Quicker one, on the pads, Brendan Taylor gets onto his back foot and clips this to the fine leg region for a brace.

Short and wide of off, Brendan Taylor cuts this to deep point for a single.

Afghanistan are 4 overs behind, this is what the official word from the match officials is at this point.

Hard length, wide of off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

Back of a length, on middle and off, Brendan Taylor gets up on his toes and clips this to the square leg fielder.

Good length, wide outside off, Brendan Taylor steps towards the line of the ball but leaves it.

Full and wide of off, Brendan Taylor doesn't offer any stroke at it.

Short and on off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

Good length, on off, Brendan Taylor flicks it away on the leg side for a single.

Pushed through on middle and leg, Innocent Kaia tucks this to mid-wicket for one.

Darted on off, Innocent Kaia blocks it.

Tossed up, on the pads, Brendan Taylor flicks this through mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up, on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it to covers.

Fuller on middle and leg, Brendan Taylor keeps it out.

We are back. Brendan Taylor and Innocent Kaia are set to resume their innings, whereas Naseer will be bowling the first over of this session.

... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ...

Batters in control - The post Lunch session started with Naseer Maroofkhil picking up his maiden Test wicket, but since then it has all been Zimbabwe. Innocent Kaia is nearing his century and Brendan Taylor has yet again looked like a million bucks out there. As for Afghanistan, it is turning out to be yet another tough outing in the field and they need some sort of inspiration with the ball of in the field to launch a comeback. Do join us for the final session on Day 1 at 11.05 am GMT.

10.45 am GMT - TEA, DAY 1 - The second session on Day 1 of the 2nd Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe has breezed along, and yet again, the session has belonged to the visitors. They lost just one wicket in 28 overs, notching up 89 more runs, and are looking in a promising position heading into the Tea break.

Bouncer on middle and leg, Innocent Kaia gets up on his toes and looks to bail out of it but gets it blocked off the sticker of his bat.

Bouncer, on off, Innocent Kaia ducks down.

FIFTY FOR TAYLOR! On a length, around off, Brendan Taylor drives this square on off for a single towards the right of deep third to bring up yet another Test half-century for himself.

Back of a length, around off, Brendan Taylor gets onto his back foot and keeps it out.

Hard length, on off, Brendan Taylor prods onto his front foot and keeps it out.

Back of a length, wide of off, Brendan Taylor cuts this on the boucne to the right of gully for a dot.

Tossed up, on the pads, Brendan Taylor paddles this to fine leg for a single.

Fuller on off, Brendan Taylor defends it off his front foot.

Floated on off, Brendan Taylor defends this to covers.

Darted on the pads, Innocent Kaia flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a single.

Fuller on off, Brendan Taylor flicks it away to the leg side for one.

Short of a length, on off, Innocent Kaia rocks back and punches this through covers for one run.

Hard length, on off, Taylor defends it off his back foot.

Back of a length, around off, Brendan Taylor punches this off his back foot to extra cover.

Good length, around off, Brendan Taylor presses onto the front foot and punches this to covers for no run.

Back of a length, around off, Brendan Taylor shoulders his arms at it.

On a length, around off, Brendan Taylor punches this off his front foot to covers for no run.

Good length, on middle and off, Brendan Taylor defends it out.

Tossed up, on the pads, Innocent Kaia tucks this back to the bowler.

Fuller on the pads, Brendan Taylor flicks this through mid on for one run.

SIX! That's been thumped out of the park. Fuller on middle and off, Brendan Taylor shimmies down the track and slog sweeps this into the stands towards the deep mid-wicket region for a maximum.

Quicker one, on off, Brendan Taylor defends it out.

FOUR! Fuller on middle and off, Brendan Taylor stands tall, gets close to the pitch of the ball and slogs this through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Tossed up, on the pads, Innocent Kaia sweeps this to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Floated on off, Brendan Taylor defends this one.

Pushed through on off, Brendan Taylor defends it out.

FOUR! Quicker one, on the pads, going down the leg side. Brendan Taylor steps a long way across the stumps and ramps this to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Darted on middle and off, Brendan Taylor rolls this to mid on for no run.

Fuller around off, Innocent Kaia drives this to long off for one.

Fuller around off, Brendan Taylor drives this to mid off for one.

Pitched-up around off, Innocent Kaia drives this to covers for no run.

Back of a length, in the channel, Innocent Kaia pokes at it but gets beaten on the outside.

Good length, around off, shaping a tad into the batter. Innocent Kaia presses onto his front foot and has a punch down the ground. Gets beaten on the inside and the ball goes just past his off-pole.

On a length, around off, Innocent Kaia defends it out.

Back of a length, around off, Innocent Kaia punches this off his back foot to point.

Good length, on off, Innocent Kaia blocks it on the off-side for no run.

Darted on off, Innocent Kaia punches this through cover-point for a run.

Way too full, on off, Brendan Taylor pushes this through covers for one run.

Tossed up, on off, Brendan Taylor drives this to the left of the bowler for no run.

Fired on off, Brendan Taylor punches this to mid off.

FOUR! Fuller on middle and off, Brendan Taylor goes down on his back knee and sweeps this through the square leg region for a boundary.

Fired on off, Brendan Taylor blocks it on the leg side.

On a length, wide of off, Innocent Kaia drives this from the inner portion of his bat towards short extra cover.

Full and wide of off, Innocent Kaia pushes this to covers for a dot.

Short and wide of off, Brendan Taylor cuts this to point for one run.

Full and on middle and leg, Brendan Taylor blocks it around mid on for a dot.

On a length, around the pads, Innocent Kaia works this through mid-wicket for a single.

Back of a length, around off, Brendan Taylor punches this to the left of extra cover for a run.

Quicker one on off, Innocent Kaia blocks it out.

Fired on middle and leg, Innocent Kaia defends this back to the bowler.

Tossed up, on off, Innocent Kaia blocks it.

Quicker one, on off, Innocent Kaia defends it out.

Fuller on off, Innocent Kaia drives this to extra cover for no run.

Finger-spin, around off, Innocent Kaia punches this to covers for no run.

Back of a length, on middle and off, Brendan Taylor tucks this to mid-wicket.

Hard length, wide of off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

Good length, wide outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

On a length, wide outside off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

Full and on off, Brendan Taylor rolls this to mid off for no run.

Good length, around off, Brendan Taylor blocks it.

Fired around off, Innocent Kaia gets it dabbed around point for a dot.

Darted on the pads, Kaia blocks it off his front foot.

Fired around off, Innocent Kaia cuts this to point for no run.

Quicker one, on off, Innocent Kaia blocks it.

Fuller on off, Innocent Kaia gets onto his front foot and keeps it out.

Floated around off, Innocent Kaia defends this off his front foot.

Hard length, on middle and off, Brendan Taylor gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.

On a length, around off, Brendan Taylor defends it out.

Short of a length, on middle and off, Innocent Kaia pulls this through square leg for a single.

Full and on off, Kaia punches this to covers.

On a length, around off, Innocent Kaia defends it out.

Good length, on middle and leg, Innocent Kaia tucks this to mid-wicket for a dot.

Fired into the batter, on his pads, Innocent Kaia tucks this through square leg for one.

Full and on off, Innocent Kaia keeps it out.

Fired around off, Innocent Kaia dabs this to backward point for no run.

Under-cutter, on off, Innocent Kaia defends it out.

Quicker one on the pads, Brendan Taylor clips this through fine leg for one.

Fuller on off, Innocent Kaia drives this to long off for one.

Good length, wide of off, Brendan Taylor leaves it.

Bouncer, on leg, Brendan Taylor ducks down.

Short and on off, Brendan Taylor dabs this to third slip for a dot.

On a length, around off, Brendan Taylor has a poke at it but misses out on the inside edge.

Full and wide of off, Brendan Taylor gets behind the line of the ball and keeps it out.

Short and on off, Brendan Taylor blocks this in front of covers for a dot.

Darted on off, Innocent Kaia pushes this to cover-point.

FOUR! Kaia hits another one in the gap for four. Tossed up, on middle and leg, Innocent Kaia flicks this in the gap between mid-wicket and mid on for a boundary. 150 comes up for the visitors.

Flighted, on off, Innocent Kaia punches this to extra cover.

FOUR! Lofted over for four. Fuller on the pads, Innocent Kaia gets on top of the bounce, plays this with the angle and flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a boundary.

Floated on off, Innocent Kaia blocks it out.

Nagging length on off stump, Kaia gets forward to block.

DRINKS! An hour has gone by since the resumption of play post Lunch, and again, Zimbabwe have bossed it. Naseer Maroofkhil did get a really early breakthrough in the session, but that's the best it has gotten for Afghanistan so far. Innocent Kaia is looking in pristine form and Brendan Taylor is in the zone yet again. The hosts need to find a way to keep picking up wickets at regular intervals, or else, it could be another long outing in the field for them.

Pitched up on off stump, Taylor stays watchful and blocks it off.

Back of a length and outside off. Taylor gets back on his toes and defends it in front of extra cover.

Short-pitched delivery, right at the batter. Kaia moves inside the line and angles the pull down to deep backward square leg for a run.

Good length on middle, angling back in. Taylor tickles it down to fine leg and collects a single.

Stump-to-stump bowling, a smidge fuller and attacking middle stump. Brendan Taylor watchfully defends.

Full of a good length, sliding into the legs from wider on the crease. Taylor misses the flick and the ball brushes the pads, but it's angling well down leg.

Ziaur Rahman is back on, replacing Yamin Ahmadzai.

A quick maiden by Naseer Maroofkhil. Bowled flatter and attacking the off stump. Kaia stays back and jams it out to cover.

Fuller and straighter this time, driven into the turf and back toward the bowler by Kaia.

Nagging length around off, Kaia gets a good stride out and blocks it off again.

Flighted ball on off, dips on the batter. Kaia lunges to defend.

Length again, on off, and this is blocked toward silly mid off.

Good length on off, comes in with the arm. Kaia stays back and jams it to the off side.

Full-pitched delivery, on the fourth-stump line and just angling in a bit. Taylor defends it out.

Fuller in length again, a bit straighter too. Taylor defends it with a straight bat.

Full of a good length, cutting back in towards the off pole. Taylor covers the line and blocks it to mid on.

Shorter in length and over middle. Kaia swivels around and short-arm jabs it down to deep backward square leg for one more.

Full and sliding it into the legs, Taylor flicks it in front of square on the leg side and turns the strike over.

Length ball, wide of the off stump, and this is smacked down to deep point for a single.

FOUR! Taylor is just so skillful against the spinners. Flighted up around off, Taylor leans across to the off side and goes down a bit before wristing it up and over wide mid-wicket for a boundary. This partnership has now moved to 40 runs.

Tossed up around off, driven off the front foot and just wide of the cover fielder for a quick single.

Lobbed up on off stump, not completely full and Kaia lunges ahead to block.

Floated up on the pads, pretty full, and Taylor sweeps it down to deep square leg for a single.

Fuller one outside off, eased away into the off side by Taylor.

Oh, in the air, but right between the bowler and the silly mid off fielder. This is tossed up on off, Kaia leans on but is early into the punch and chips it down to long off for a single. Rahmat Shah is down on his haunches at silly mid off, wondering what might have been.

Too straight, but there's protection in the deep. Full and on the pads, flicked away to deep square leg for a single.

Pitched up on middle, angling it back in. Kaia flicks it firmly but straight to mid-wicket.

Fuller in length again, wide of the off stump, and Kaia stabs it down to cover-point.

Pitched up outside the line of off stump, left alone by Kaia.

FOUR! Oh, that's even better from Innocent Kaia. Length ball, darted into middle. Kaia rocks back and moves a touch to the off side, drilling it down well to the left of mid on for another boundary.

FOUR! Lovely shot from Kaia, and Zimbabwe are racking up the boundaries. Full and straight, Kaia shows the full face of the bat and nails the on drive to the left of mid on, picking up four runs.

Slightly flatter and around off, Taylor stays back and pushes it gently to the off side.

Good comeback by Naseer after those two early boundaries. Nice and full, landing it on off stump. Taylor blocks it off.

Flighted ball around off, dips on the batter. Taylorwatches it well and defends it to cover.

Naseer switches back to around the wicket, and tosses this one up around off. Taylor lunges to defend.

FOUR! Taylor is showing his full range here. Full and down leg, Taylor moves inside the line and paddles it down to fine leg. Yamin Ahmadzai chases after it and slides in, getting a hand on it, but he is unable to stop the ball from reaching the ropes. Back-to-back boundaries for Taylor here.

FOUR! That is gorgeous from Brendan Taylor. Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Taylor backs away to the leg side, before lifting it cleanly and inside out over covers for a boundary.

Full and straight, clipped straight to mid on.

Way too full and on the pads, Kaia jams the on drive to the right of wide mid on. The fielder dives to his right and makes a half stop, allowing the batters to come back for the second run.

Good length, in the channel, and Kaia stays compact before defending it down to cover.

Hammered in on a hard length around off, Kaia stays back and nudges it down to gully.

That's well bowled. Full and outside off, seaming away. Kaia goes after a wide one and plays a loose drive, getting beaten past the outside edge.

Should have been put away. Shortish length, well wide of the off stump. Innocent Kaia stands tall and throws the hands at it but hits it straight to the cover fielder.

Tossed up at the stumps, Taylor goes down to reverse again, but ends up miscuing it in front of square on the off side this time.

FOUR! Brendan Taylor nails the reverse sweep this time. Lobbed up full and straight, Taylor sits down and hammers it through the short third region for a boundary.

Half an appeal for LBW, but the Afghan players quickly realize that the ball's landed a mile outside the leg stump. This is bowled flatter and around leg, Taylor looks to reverse sweep but misses and wears it on the pads.

Floated up, landing it on middle and leg. Kaia punches it to mid off and collects a quick single.

Naseer comes over the wicket now, pitching it full and on middle. Kaia blocks it off.

Bowled into the pitch, in line with the stumps. Kaia gets right behind the line and pats it back down the pitch.

A maiden from Yamin Ahmadzai, but he would have liked to make the batter play a bit more in that over. Good length, fairly wide of the off stump once again, and Taylor just shoulders arms.

Full-pitched delivery, wide of the off stump, and left alone by Taylor yet again.

Length ball, angling back in but the starting line is pretty wide. Taylor leaves it alone.

Bowled from wider on the crease, pushing the full ball in towards the stumps. Taylor reads it well and smothers it to the leg side.

Full of a good length, on the fifth-stump line, Taylor blocks it on the front foot.

Hard length outside off, Taylor looks to smack it through covers, but closes the bat face early and miscues it down to mid off.

FOUR! That's a bit risky from Innocent Kaia, but he picks up four runs. Darted in, a bit fuller and on off. Kaia rocks back and cuts it off the stumps, hitting it firmly and to the left of gully for a boundary.

Bowled into the pitch, angling it in over middle and leg. Kaia rocks back and jams it down to to the left of short mid-wicket.

Quicker one outside off, trying to dart in with the arm. Kaia rocks back and cuts it almost off the keeper's gloves, but hits it straight to gully.

Nicely tossed up, full and dipping on the batter as well. Kaia stays solid in defence.

Flighted ball on off stump, Kaia gets a big stride forward and blocks it off.

Round-arm delivery, floated up outside off stump. Kaia gets onto the front foot and defends it to cover.

Fuller delivery, angled down the leg side, and it's well collected by Ikram Alikhil behind the stumps.

On the fuller side and just outside off, Taylor gets halfway across and blocks it woth soft hands.

Good length over middle, the ball angles in with some extra bounce. Taylor does well to keep it down toward mid-wicket.

Length ball, bowled wide of the off stump line and Taylor leaves it alone.

Back of a length, around off, and hammered into the deck. Kaia rises up with the bounce and dabs it wide of point for a single.

Pitched a bit fuller and around off, angling it back in. Kaia pushes it down to the left of the bowler.

FOUR! In complete control, and that's a glorious shot to get off the mark from Brendan Taylor. Tossed up on middle, Taylor leans ahead and just plays a checked lofted drive, nailing it well over mid on for a boundary. 100 up for Zimbabwe as well.

Quicker and fuller, just outside off, Taylor punches it out to cover.

Lobbed up around off, not all that full and Taylor watchfully defend.

Flighted delivery, on off and middle, blocked off the front foot by Taylor.

Around the wicket to the right-hander, floated up at the stumps, and Brendan Taylor watchfully defends.

Brendan Taylor walks out to bat at number 3.

OUT! LBW! A huge appeal, and up goes the umpire's finger. The change of ends has worked for the debutant, and Naseer gets his first wicket in Test cricket. Bowled from over the wicket, on a nagging length and around off stump. The ball darts back in sharply, and Ben Curran is caught on the back foot. Curran tries to work it on the leg side but plays all around it and gets pinged on the pads. End of a 98-run opening stand, and Afghanistan finally have a breakthrough.

Naseer Maroofkhil to operate from the other end.

Yamin Ahmadzai begins the session with a maiden, and shows a bit of aggression as well. Full and straight, jammed back to the bowler. Yamin picks up the ball and throws it back at the stumps at the striker's end, but doesn't quite hit his mark.

Yamin pulls the length back, bowling it a tad shorter and outside off. Kaia rocks back and punches it down to cover.

Very full and just outside off, angled in sharply. Kaia stabs it out to short extra cover.

Excellent line and length from Yamin. Full of a good length, in an around off, nibbling away. Kaia defends it off the outside edge and down toward gully.

Fuller one from wider on the crease, speared into the stumps. Kaia is caught on the crease and jabs at it, nearly chipping it straight back to the bowler.

Pitched up a bit, around the fourth-stump line. Kaia gets halfway forward and blocks it toward cover.

We are back for the post-Lunch session on Day 1. The umpires make their way back to the middle, and so do the players of Afghanistan, who form a huddle before taking their places on the field. The duo of Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia is all set to resume their stay at the crease as well. It will be Naseer Maroofkhil to start proceedings with the ball. Actually, Rahmat Shah has changed his mind, and it will be Yamin Ahmadzai to start with the ball. Let's go...

... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ...

Afghanistan searches for answers - For Afghanistan, the bowling effort has been disciplined but lacks the intimidation needed to trouble the batters. The visitors desperately need an early breakthrough when play resumes at 8.44 am GMT, otherwise, they face another long, grueling day in the field, just like their bowlers endured in the first Test.

Openers lead the charge - Kaia set the tone early with aggressive strokeplay right from the beginning of the innings, bringing up a well-deserved half-century to remain unbeaten on 53. At the other end, Ben Curran took some time to settle in before matching his partner's scoring rate, reaching the break just shy of his own milestone on 44 not out.

8.05 am GMT - LUNCH ON DAY 1 - Zimbabwe has taken firm control of the opening session on Day 1, heading into the Lunch break at a commanding 98 for no loss. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, skipper Brian Bennett could not have hoped for a better start from his top order as the opening pair batted through the entire session unscathed.

Safely negotiated, and that will be Lunch on Day 1. Short of a length and outside off, Ben Curran moves to the off side and dabs it down to the left of the gully fielder.

The full bunger now, slanted in towards middle and leg. Curran manages to flick it away to mid-wicket.

Another bumper, over middle stump this time, and Curran ducks under it nicely once again.

Shorter delivery outside off, Curran hops to the off side and stabs it down to gully.

Banged in halfway down the pitch, angling it in over the leg stump. Curran ducks well under it.

Short and at the bodyline, Innocent Kaia swivels and plays a half pull, hitting it just wide of the diving fielder at backward square leg and gets it to the deep for a single.

The final over of the session is coming up. It will be Mohammad Saleem to bowl it.

A bit more round-arm, floated up on the pads. Curran nudges it with soft hands to the leg side.

Dragged length on off, Kaia presses back and punches it down to long off for a single.

The length is pulled back a wee bit, Kaia looks to get forward and block again, but ends up wearing it on the pads.

Nice and full, at the stumps, Kaia leans on and blocks it off.

Superb running between the wickets yet again from these two. Flatter and on the pads, clipped away to the left of mid-wicket for a quick single.

Shorter in length, on the pads, and nudged off the back foot behind square leg for a single.

FOUR! Saleem tries the one-two punch, but Ben Curran is waiting for it. This is pitched up on off stump, Curran covers the line well and drives it to the right of the diving fielder at mid on for a boundary.

Good wheels on that short ball. Banged in halfway down the pitch, over middle and angling it in. The ball sails past the head of the batter, who sways away from the line of the ball.

Half an appeal for caught behind, but the umpire isn't interested. Shortish length, angling down the leg side. Curran looks to swivel and pull but almost gets strangled down the leg side.

Good length again, slightly wider of the off stump. Curran punches it on the up, against the angle, and gets it through covers for a couple of runs more.

Good-length delivery, in the channel outside off. Curran leaves it alone.

FIFTY for Innocent Kaia, his 2nd in Test matches. Short ball, right at the batter, Kaia leans back and controls the pull down to deep square leg for a single. A really well-compiled knock so far from Kaia.

Fired in on the pads, Curran turns it away to mid-wicket.

Full-ish length, on middle, and blocked off the front foot by Curran.

Bowled from around the stumps, flatter and pushed across the batter. Curran hops back and stabs it down to the left of the first slip fielder.

Good length outside off, Curran stays put and pokes it through the gap at cover, picking up a couple of runs.

SIX! Flat-batted over the ropes, and the Zimbabwe openers are putting the debutant under pressure here. Held back a bit by Naseer, bowling it around off. Ben Curran waits a fraction before dancing down the track and wallops it wide of long on for a biggie.

On a length, angled into the stumps, tucked away in front of mid-wicket by Curran.

Short-pitched delivery, well short and around off. Kaia reaches over his head to pull but misses. He nearly edges it behind instead.

Drop and run, brilliantly done. Good length around off, Curran bunts it to the right of extra cover and scampers through to the other end.

Slightly pitched up, and darted back in towards the off pole. Curran leans on to defend.

Uppish but in the gap! Good length, wide of the off stump. Ben Curran drives on the up and gets it through the gap between point and extra cover for a couple of runs.

Short ball on leg, Kaia moves inside the line and pulls it to fine leg for one more.

Short of a good length, around off, and nudged away with an angled bat, towards backward point for a single.

Flighted ball around off, blocked off by Kaia. After 20 overs, Zimbabwe are looking comfortable at 74/0.

FOUR! Kaia seems to be in a hurry now. Flighted ball at the stumps, drifting in. Kaia steps down the track again, but doesn't quite get to the pitch of the ball. He goes through with the lofted shot, smothering it flat and just over mid on for a bounary. Kaia is now on 48.

SIX! Positive intent from Innocent Kaia. Flighted ball at the stumps, Kaia steps down the track and goes against the turn, tonking it high over long on for a biggie.

Tossed up, nice and full on middle. Kaia plays it back to the bowler.

Too easy at the moment for Zimbabwe's openers. Full-ish length on the pads, nudged away just behind square leg for an easy single.

Shorter side of a good length, angled well into the batter. Curran taps it across to mid-wicket.

A bit of inward movement yet again. Full of a good length, around off and slanting back in. Kaia looks to drive straight but gets it off the inside half of the blade toward mid on.

Pitched up, really full and around off, tailing back in. Kaia just opens the face of the blade and digs it out to point.

Back to over the wicket for the right-hander. Full of a good length, attacking the off stump, and getting it to seam bacmk in ever so slightly. Kaia watchfully defends.

Good length outside off. Driven on the up by Curran, but off the toe end of the blade and wide of mid off. Curran hustles through for a single.

Banged in fairly short again, outside off, and Curran just leans back to let it through.

Bowled from around the stumps, full and outside off, looking to shape it away. Curran leaves it alone.

Wide! Too high. Banged in halfway down the pitch and down the leg side. This one bounces like a tennis ball and sails over the batter's head. Curran ducks well under it.

Much better length. Relatively full and around off, sliding back on. Kaia punches it out to silly mid off.

Easy pickings again for the batter. Shorter and straighter, nudged away through the square leg region for one more run.

Fractionally shorter and drifted on the pads, Kaia presses back and dabs it down through square leg for a run.

Good energy through the ball, a tad full and on off and middle. Kaia gets forward and blocks it to the off side.

Fuller one, drifted into the legs. Curran takes the front leg out and pushes it to mid on for a quick single.

Loopy delivery, tossed up high and wide of the off stump. Curran plays a square drive and gets it through the gap, but the ball slows down and it will only be two runs for Curran.

Saleem hits the deck hard and angles one into the thigh pad. Kaia tucks it down to mid-wicket.

No timing on that. Pitched full and around off stump, Curran looks to drive with a straight bat, but jams it back past the bowler and to the right of mid on for a single.

Hard length, slanting it just across the left-hander. Curran defends it on the off side and looks for a single, but Kaia says 'No.'

Good length on middle, looking to swing it back in. Curran shows the full face of the bat ad defends it to mid on.

Back of a length and outside off, stabbed down in front of covers for a quick single.

Hard length, wide of the off stump. Kaia hangs back and punches it down sweetly through square covers, picking up a couple of easy runs.

On a full-ish length, around middle, and this is blocked off by Curran.

FOUR! Nicely done by Curran, and 50 is up for Zimbabwe. Quicker one, darted down the leg side, Curran plays a half sweep, just angling it past leg gully and the ball races away into the fine leg fence.

Pushed through slightly quicker and straighter, Curran gets forward and flicks it to silly mid on.

Tossed up, just outside off, Curran leans ahead to defend.

Floated up, a tad fuller and turning it into the front pad. Curran leans on and clips it just wide of the short leg fielder.

Slightly dragged length, turning it into the stumps. Curran stays back and defends it out with soft hands.

A proper bumper now, dug in short around off, and it bounces like a tennis ball. Kaia ducks under it with ease.

Dug in shorter and around the bodyline. Curran lifts up one leg and controls the pull down to deep backward square leg, picking up a single.

Good length, in and around off stump, blocked off yet again by Curran.

Full of a good length, attacking the middle stump. Curran stays in his crease and defends it out.

Pitched up on middle and off, angling away. Curran solidly blocks it down the pitch.

Back of a length and around off, shooting up a bit off the deck. Kaia rides the bounce well and nudges it down into the off side, collecting a single in the process.

Tidy start from Naseer on debut, just a single off it. Floated up around off, Curran leans on and defends it on the full.

Good, positive running. Floated up on off stump, Kaia leans on and pushes it in front of mid off, pinching a quick single in the process as well.

Very full, drifted into middle and leg. Kaia looks to drive on the up but gets it off the inside half of the bat to mid on.

Nice and full, tossed up on the stumps, and Kaia eases it down to mid on.

A bit more flight on this one, tossing it up on off and middle. Innocent Kaia watchfully blocks it down the track.

Fuller one to begin with, darted in just outside off. Kaia jams it out to mid off.

The debutant, Naseer Maroofkhil to have a bowl now.

A lovely delivery to end the over. Just back of a length, in and around off, and angling away with some extra bounce. Ben Curran ends up playing inside the line.

Saleem bashes the hard length now, bowling it just outside off. Kaia punches it down wide of cover and pinches a quick singl.

Much better line from Saleem. Good length, on a tight line around off. Kaia covers the line and stabs it out on the off side.

On the fuller side again, wide of the off stump, trying to angle it back in. Kaia strides across and leaves it alone.

Good carry on this occasion. Full of a goiod length, on the fifth-stump line and just nibbling away a wee bit. Kaia shoulders arms.

Too straight to begin with. Good length on the pads, Ben Curran tucks it down just behind square leg and picks up a single.

DRINKS! It has been a great start for the visitors, as Innocent Kaia leads the attack with an aggressive 31 off 42 balls. Zimbabwe sits comfortably at 43 for no loss after 12 overs, and they'll be hoping for this pair to continue for as long as they can, but in small steps, with batting this session out without losing any wickets. Also, Mohammad Saleem comes in as the first bowling change.

Short and wide of off, Innocent Kaia leaves it.

Ziaur bowls it full and wide of off, Innocent Kaia leaves it.

Full and on middle and off, Innocent Kaia clips this to square leg for a dot.

Back of a length, around off, Innocent Kaia arches back and cuts this through the gap between point and cover-point for a brace.

On a  length, wide of off, Innocent Kaia punches this to covers for no run.

Ziaur bowls it on a length, wide of off, Innocent Kaia shoulders his arms at it.

Hard length, wide of off, Ben Curran leaves it.

Back of a length, on middle and off, Ben Curran defends this off his back foot.

Good length, on off, Ben Curran blocks it out.

FOUR! Pitched-up delivery, around off, Ben Curran stands tall, gets close to the pitch of the ball and drives this through the mid off region for a boundary.

Almost a chop on. Good length, wide of off, Ben Curran prods onto his front foot and looks to bail out of a block but the ball clips the toe of his bat and bounces behind the stumps for a dot.

Good length, wide of off, Innocent Kaia guides this through point for one.

Full and down the leg side. Ben goes for a flick but misses.

On a length, around off, Ben Curran punches this to extra cover.

Hard length, on the pads, Ben Curran clips this to square leg fielder for a dot.

Good length, on the pads, Innocent Kaia tucks this through square leg for one.

FOUR! Driven down the ground for a boundary. Pitched-up delivery, on off, Innocent Kaia presses onto his front foot and drives this through the mid off region for a brilliantly struck boundary.

Short and wide of off, Innocent Kaia slashes hard at it but misses out.

Full and wide outside off, Ben Curran leaves it all alone.

Good length, a touch too straight, on the pads. Innocent Kaia picks it up with a flick and hits it to the deep mid-wicket region. The ball dies in front of the fence and the batters run three meanwhile.

On a length, around off, Innocent Kaia cuts this to point for no run.

Hard length, on off, Innocent Kaia dabs this to gully.

FOUR! That's been glances away to the fence. On a length, around the pads, Innocent Kaia gets inside the line of the ball and glances this through the square leg region for a boundary.

On a length, around off, Innocent Kaia pushes this to covers for no run.

Full and on the pads, Ben Curran goes for a flick but misses out.

Hard length, around off, Innocent Kaia punches this to the right of the point fielder for one run.

Good length on middle and off, Innocent Kaia blocks it.

On a length, around off, Innocent Kaia edged this off the inside onto his pads. A loud and confident appeal from the Afghan side but the umpire turns it down.

Hard length, wide of off, Ben Curran blocks this to the off-side.

Back of a length, around off, Ben Curran pushes this to covers for no run.

Full and on the pads, Innocent Kaia flicks this on the half-volley to the fielder at square leg.

Hard length, onto the pads, Ben Curran tickles this down to the fine leg region for a single.

Around that nagging length, in the channel, Ben Curran leaves it.

Yamin bowls it full and on off, Ben Curran drives this to covers for no run.

On a length, wide of off, Ben Curran leaves it all alone.

Good length, on off, Ben Curran jams it out.

Good length, around off, Innocent Kaia pushes this to covers for no run.

FOUR! This has been driven down the ground for a boundary. Pitched-up delivery, around off, Innocent Kaia presents a full face of his bat and drives this through the mid off region for a boundary.

Good length, in the channel, Innocent Kaia doesn't poke at it.

Hard length, wide outside off, Innocent Kaia leaves it.

Full and on off, Innocent Kaia pushes at it with hard hands, gets it rolled off the outside to the second slip fielder for no run.

On a length, wide of off, Innocent Kaia leaves it.

Good length, on the pads, Ben Curran tucks this to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Excellent from the batter. Good length, on middle and off, Ben Curran presses onto his front foot, presents a full face of his bat and punches this down the ground past the right of the bowler towards the long off fence for four runs.

Full and on off, Ben Curran prods onto his front foot and blocks it.

Good length, down the leg. Ben Curran leave sit.

Full and around off, Ben Curran gets low and keeps it out.

On a length, away swing on offer. Ben Curran leaves it.

On a length, wide of off, shaping away from the batter. Innocent Kaia presents a tentative poke at it but gets beaten.

Good length, wide of off, shaping away from the right-hander. Innocent Kaia prods onto his front foot and pushes this to cover point.

Back of a length, around off, Innocent Kaia throws his bat at it. Gets it edged onto his pads and the ball rolls back to the slip cordon.

Good length, wide of off, Innocent Kaia leaves it all alone.

FOUR! Kaia is hitting the ground running. Pitched-up delivery, going away from the batter. Innocent Kaia presses onto his front foot and drives this through covers for a boundary.

On a length, around off, Innocent Kaia defends this off his front foot.

Awayswinging delivery, full and wide of off. Innocent Kaia pushes this through the covers region for a single.

Full and around off, Innocent Kaia thumps this towards point for no run.

Hard length, on off, Innocent Kaia pushes this to point.

Good length, on off, Kaia blocks it out.

FOUR! Edged and away to the fence for four. Good length, wide outside off, Innocent Kaia presses onto the front foot and has a poke at it with hard hands. The ball goes past the left of gully for a boundary.

On a length, going away from the batter. Innocent Kaia punches this to covers for no run.

Good length, wide outside off. Ben Curran leaves it all alone.

On a length, around middle and off, Ben Curran punches this firmly towards mid off for no run.

Back of a length, on off, Ben Curran pushes this to extra cover.

Full and on the pads, Ben Curran flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a brace.

Hard length, onto the pads, Innocent Kaia clips this through the square leg region for a run.

Good length, wide of off, Innocent Kaia presses onto his front foot and has a poke at it. Gets it edged and the ball lands in front of the second slip fielder.

Ziaur Rahman to start from the other end.

Good length, on the pads, Ben Curran flicks this through square leg for a single.

Full and wide outside off, Ben Curran shoulders his arms at it.

Hard length, around off, going across the batter. Ben Curran stays leg side and has a poke at it but gets beaten.

Good length, on middle and off, Innocent Kaia punches this through the cover-point region and rotates the strike for the first runs of the game.

Back of a length, around off, Kaia dabs this to cover-point for a dot.

On a length, around off, Innocent Kaia presses onto the front foot and pushes this to covers for a dot.

We are all set for the game to begin. The umpires are out in the middle, followed by the players of Afghanistan. The duo of Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia are all set to open the innings for Zimbabwe. It will be Yamin Ahmadzai to start proceedings with the new ball. Let's go...

PITCH REPORT - Tino Mawoyo says they have moved about four pitches over from the one used for the first Test, which was number two, and today they are on number six. It looks very different in terms of the surface, and they will find out how it plays in a moment. Tino adds that, looking at the pitch, it has a very different look compared to the first Test match, as there is a bit of green with a lot more grass on the surface. Afghan pacer Naveen ul Haq adds that there is just a tinge of grass, as can be seen on the wicket. There is some moisture underneath when you feel it and just see it. There is a tinge of moisture, so the first hour for the seamers bowling on this wicket might be helpful. Mawoyo notes there is a bit of dampness in the pitch, which is evidence of the moisture he is talking about.

The skipper of Afghanistan - Rahmat Shah says that they were actually looking to bat first. He adds that this wicket is pretty different from the one used in the last game, and there's a good covering of grass on this deck. He further mentions that you need to assess conditions early as a bowler and hit the good areas, and they will try to take 20 wickets, because that's what wins you Test matches. Shah ends by informing that they have made three changes, with the likes of Qais Ahmad, Shahidullah Kamal and Zia-ur-Rehman making way for Yamin Ahmadzai, Afsar Zazai and the debutant.

The captain of Zimbabwe - Brian Bennett says they are going to bat first, as he thinks there is a little bit of grass and the fourth innings will be quite tough to bat on later in the Test match. Brian reckons there should be a little bit more in it for the seamers and like they said, there was not much there in the first Test match so it is good to see a little bit of grass and they are really excited to get going today. Brian mentions they were very happy with their efforts, and obviously they would have liked to get a win, but on that wicket it looked very tough to get 20 wickets, so hopefully they can get 20 wickets this week. BB informs that they have made a few forced changes, as Craig Ervine is out injured, so Vincent Masekesa comes in to add some leg spin, and Brad Evans comes in for Newman Nyamhuri, who has a little niggle.

Zimbabwe (Playing XI) - Ben Curran, Innocent Kaia, Brian Bennett (C), Brendan Taylor, Wessly Madhevere, Antum Naqvi, Tafadzwa Tsiga (WK), Brad Evans (In for Newman Nyamhuri), Graeme Cremer, Blessing Muzarabani, and Vincent Masekesa (In for Craig Ervine).

Afghanistan (Playing XI) - Abdul Malik, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah (C), Hashmatullah Shahidi, Rahmanullah, Ikram Alikhil (WK), Afsar Zazai (In for Shahidullah Kamal), Ziaur Rahman, Yamin Ahmadzai (In for Zia-ur-Rehman), Mohammad Saleem, and Naseer Maroofkhil (On debut, in for Qais Ahmad).

TOSS - The coin flip lands in favour of Zimbabwe, and they will BAT first.

A change in approach? With both teams toiling hard in the field last time around, we might see an extra bowler added to each side because there were too many part timers operating in the last game. Afghanistan has to field for nearly twice the time as Zimbabwe and there will be fatigue in their camp, so it will be interesting to see how both teams set up for this decisive contest. Stay tuned for the toss and teams.

One match shootout - Hello, and welcome to one and all. We are back at Sharjah for the 2nd and final Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The first match was bossed by the batters with all three innings going beyond the 500-run mark. Both teams will be hoping that there's a bit more in it for the bowlers and we should see a change or two in the team combinations as well.

... MATCH DAY ...

The last chapter in the desert heat - It all began with a rollicking T20I series where the Afghans outplayed the Chevrons, whitewashing them 3-0, and now the multi-format contest in Sharjah heads into its final chapter. Afghanistan and Zimbabwe meet in the second and final Test, and if the first match is anything to go by, the scorers are in for another busy few days. The two sides arrive with contrasting stories. Afghanistan have not won a Test since 2025, drawing both their previous games in Sharjah, and they would be desperate to squeeze out a positive result from this one. On the other hand, Zimbabwe's white-ball troubles are no secret, but the red-ball side has been quietly growing in confidence. They beat Bangladesh at home earlier this year, and having batted their way to a draw in the opener, they will believe they can hold their own again. Can anyone get a result? The series opener less a Test match than a batting festival. The game produced over 1,500 runs and ended in a flat draw, with Zimbabwe choosing not to declare on an unresponsive pitch. Zimbabwe posted 504 in their first innings and followed it with 523/5 in the second, and Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere were the stars of the final day. Ervine made a maiden double hundred, while Madhevere scored his first Test century, and debutant Antum Naqvi also impressed with his maiden half-century. Afghanistan were not just along for the ride. Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah hit centuries on day three, and Rahmat Shah's monumental 173 gave them a slim 10-run first-innings lead as he also became the first Afghan batter to make it into the top ten of ICC Test rankings. Along the way, Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman added 92 for the eighth wicket, an Afghanistan record for that wicket. Control without penetration - Afghanistan's bowling problem was not economy alone - it was the absence of sustained threat. Zia-ur-Rehman bowled 50 overs for 2 for 173 at 3.46, doing the containment work and operating as the holding spinner on debut. Afghanistan's deeper issue was balance. They had spinners who could bowl long, defensive spells, but nobody consistently created the false shot through extra bounce, sharp turn, reverse swing, or sustained short-ball pressure. Zimbabwe's batters were able to bat through sessions, rotate strike, and force Afghanistan's attack into survival mode. Disciplined, but not decisive - Zimbabwe's bowlers kept Afghanistan honest enough to prevent a huge lead, but could not convert pressure into a collapse. Newman Nyamhuri was the standout, taking 5 for 82 in Afghanistan’s first innings - the match's best bowling return, while Graeme Cremer took three wickets. Nyamhuri's five-for matters because Afghanistan still reached 514; it shows he found breakthroughs, but Zimbabwe could not build sustained partnerships around him. Once Rahmat Shah settled, Zimbabwe's attack had no second reliable wicket-taking option to exploit the pressure from the other end. Team form (Last 5 Tests, recent first) - AFG - DDLLW | ZIM - DWWLL. What to expect? The pitch is the big talking point. Reports described the Sharjah surface as flat and unresponsive, so wickets will be hard to come by. Zimbabwe will take heart from batting for nearly five days without losing their shape. Afghanistan will wonder how to turn big first-innings runs into a win. Whoever wins the toss will probably bat first again, and the real contest will be whether either attack can find a way through before the draw takes over.