mbulelo smpofu
Brandon Moyo, brandonmalvin9@gmail.com
THE weather forecast predicted overcast conditions for the second one-day international (ODI) match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club, but the game is likely to proceed as planned with no rain expected throughout the day in Harare.
The first ODI was reduced to 28 overs after a four-hour delay but called off due to persistent rain after just 9.2 overs with the Chevrons on 44/5.
However, today promises a full match of cricket, with temperatures ranging between 17 and 30 degrees in the capital.
The Chevrons are looking to take a 1-0 series lead and no rain is forecast for Saturday’s series finale.
Zimbabwe are hoping to secure their first ODI series win over Afghanistan, with the two teams having faced off in seven bilateral ODI series since 2014. Afghanistan won six and one ended in a draw.
Although rain played spoilsport during Tuesday’s opener, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi chose to field when the clouds cleared and got plenty of movement from Azmatullah Omarzai and Fazalhaq Farooqi, both off the pitch and in the air.
Left-hand batter Ben Curran and left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri made their debuts for Zimbabwe, but the former was dismissed for 15 runs in the eighth over by Omarzai after going for a flashing drive. Curran got a thick outside edge and was caught behind.
Tadiwanashe Marumani was undone by an in-dipper from Omarzai that flattened his middle stump, while Brian Bennett fell first ball to Omarzai.
Dion Myers managed a couple of drives before being trapped in front when he misread Azmatullah Ghazanfar’s delivery and stayed back.
Sean Williams was also unable to make a significant contribution and departed after swinging his bat to a full-length delivery from Omarzai and edged to Ikram Alikhil.
Omarzai took a fiery 4/18 in four overs before the match was ultimately called off.
Despite the disappointing end to the first ODI, the Chevrons are determined to clinch their first ODI series victory over Afghanistan.
Today’s game is scheduled to start at 09.30am. – @brandon_malvin
