Maroofkhil Shines on Debut, Claims 7 Wickets Against Zimbabwe
Nasir Khan Maroofkhil took 7 wickets on his Test debut as Afghanistan struggles against Zimbabwe in Sharjah.
Sharjah, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Nasir Khan Maroofkhil made a remarkable debut in Test cricket, claiming seven wickets against Zimbabwe in Sharjah on November 14, 2026. This achievement places him as only the second Afghan bowler to take seven wickets in his debut Test innings. Zimbabwe was bowled out for 339 runs in their first innings, but Afghanistan faced challenges, losing six wickets for just 159 runs by the end of the second day.
Zimbabwe won the toss and opted to bat first. They started strong, with Innocent Kaia and Ben Kerr adding 98 runs for the first wicket. Ben scored 44 runs with five boundaries before being dismissed. Kaia then partnered with Brendan Taylor to build a solid second-wicket partnership of 102 runs.
Kaia fell for 96 runs, hitting one six and 11 fours, as Zimbabwe lost their second wicket at a score of 200. The team continued to lose wickets, with the seventh falling at 291 runs. However, Taylor’s impressive innings of 119, which included 15 boundaries, helped stabilize the innings. He shared valuable partnerships with Anshum Naqvi and Tafadzwa Tsiga before the innings concluded.
Brad Evans contributed an unbeaten 32 runs, adding crucial runs with Greeam Kremer for the eighth wicket. The innings ended at 339 runs after a late effort from Evans and Blessing Muzarabani.
For Afghanistan, Maroofkhil excelled with the ball, delivering 44 overs and conceding 151 runs while taking seven wickets. Ziaur Rahman Sharifi claimed two wickets, and Yamin Ahmadzai took one.
In response, Afghanistan faced 48 overs by the end of the day, losing their first wicket at just 8 runs. They soon lost a second wicket at 27 runs. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmanullah Gurbaz managed to add 46 runs for the third wicket, and Shahidi also contributed to a 27-run partnership with Rahmat Shah.
Afghanistan lost their fourth wicket at a score of 100. Captain Rahmat Shah was dismissed for 30 runs, while Afsar Jazi ended the day unbeaten on 33 runs with five boundaries. On the bowling side for Zimbabwe, Muzarabani took three wickets for 31 runs, while Vincent Masakaza claimed two, and Brad Evans took one.
The first match of the series ended in a draw, and both teams are eager to secure a win in this second match. Previously, Afghanistan had swept the three-match T20 series 3-0 against Zimbabwe.
