Ben Curran shines on debut as Zimbabwe dominates Day 1.©(@JunaidKhanation )
Zimbabwe showcased a rejuvenated batting display on the opening day of their Boxing Day Test against Afghanistan in Bulawayo, amassing 363 runs at a brisk 4.27 runs per over. The standout performances came from debutant opener Ben Curran and veteran Sean Williams, whose contributions set the tone for a dominant display by the hosts.
Making his Test debut, Ben Curran announced himself on the international stage with a quick-fire 68 off just 74 deliveries. Curran reached his half-century in only 54 balls, peppering the boundary with 11 fours. His aggressive intent at the top of the order laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s strong start, a performance that drew praise from Sean Williams.
Speaking after the day’s play, Williams highlighted the significance of Curran’s approach. “I think it’s huge. That intent and those partnerships going forward, it’s amazing,” Williams said. “The intent one batsman shows allows the other batsman to score. It’s like he ends up benefiting from your intent. And that’s what we want in the team.”
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Williams was the cornerstone of Zimbabwe’s innings, remaining unbeaten on 145 at the close of play. His authoritative knock included a mix of patience and aggression as he capitalized on Afghanistan’s wayward deliveries to keep the scoreboard ticking. Another seasoned campaigner, Craig Ervine, contributed a valuable half-century to solidify Zimbabwe’s innings. Together, the trio of Curran, Ervine, and Williams formed the backbone of the host’s batting effort, which marked a significant turnaround for Zimbabwe following their struggles in the preceding T20I and ODI series against the same opposition.
Zimbabwe fielded three debutants in this Test, with Curran joined by pace bowlers Trevor Gwandu and Newman Nyamhuri in earning their first caps. Williams acknowledged the refreshing energy the newcomers brought to the team. “It’s kind of like going back to grade one again, and it’s refreshing as a senior to go back and review all of those things that you used to do in a team meeting—taking notes, doing this thing, analyzing, [and] checking your videos,” Williams remarked. “We’re encouraging these younger guys to do [the same].”
Williams attributed Zimbabwe’s turnaround to focusing on “clear plans” and a disciplined approach to training and execution. “Going into training, coming to a meeting, and being clear on what you need to do,” he explained. “Keeping that good ball out but scoring off the bad ball. And that’s the intent that we’re after from all of us. Every bowler bowls bad balls. But you have to put them away and be brave enough to try to put them away.”
Afghanistan’s bowlers faced a challenging day in Bulawayo, with Zimbabwe’s aggressive batting testing their discipline and consistency. The visitors will look to regroup and make inroads early on day two as they seek to claw their way back into the contest.
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For Zimbabwe, the first day of the Test marked a promising start, driven by a mix of youth and experience. With Williams holding firm and the rest of the batting lineup showing positive intent, the hosts will aim to build on their strong position as the series progresses.
