Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Second Test | 02 January 2025 - 06 January 2025 | Queens Sports Club

[jaybro]

Anyone got some links to highlights?

I watched a decent one for Day 2 but it didn’t include the bowling innings for Zim

[zimfan1]

Anyone got some links to highlights?

I watched a decent one for Day 2 but it didn’t include the bowling innings for Zim

https://www.dailymotion.com/hira-khan15

[zimbos_05]

Williams is so good. Our younger guys can learn from our own. Start playing with more of a straight bat. So many of our wickets are avoidable by just batting a bit more simply.

Our bowlers could be soooo good and a lethal attack, but they can't control their line and length. They really need to work on that, and combine it with bowling to plans or in groupings.

Not sure about Williams wicket. All credit to him for walking. Afghanis definitely would not, but then again, I am happy that our players show integrity. In saying that, didn't seem like he got near it.

[jaybro]

Anyone got some links to highlights?

I watched a decent one for Day 2 but it didn’t include the bowling innings for Zim

https://www.dailymotion.com/hira-khan15

Cheers mate

Some good blowing by the Zim boys, but these Afghan boys love to throw a wicket away.

[jaybro]

Not sure about Williams wicket. All credit to him for walking. Afghanis definitely would not, but then again, I am happy that our players show integrity. In saying that, didn't seem like he got near it.

My initial thoughts were that he could have easily stood his ground, especially if he wanted to make his half century which was one run away.

My mind went back to the 2nd Test v Sri Lanka in 2020 where he was not out 49 at stumps. Going into the morning of Day 5, Zimbabwe had a chance to win the test but Williams who was captain continued to bat, went out hit a boundary and declared.

Many thought he was being selfish and just wanted the half century, whilst others thought it was tactical. I guess this clears that up, if he really cared that much about making a test 50 he would have simply stood his ground yesterday.

Random thoughts

[Googly]

Who walks these days? That's old school. Cricket isn't really a gentleman's game either. You can't sledge the shit out of people then walk, or have a beer afterwards surely? Its becomes like that Hollywood roast. It's stupid.

Or a fast bowler trying to knock your head off then suddenly concerned when he actually hits you, it's laughable. He was trying to hit you for the last 4 overs, eventually succeeds and then has a worried look on his face whilst he checks you're OK.

I would think statistically 90% of batsmen have more decisions go against them than for them, why increase those odds? Plus you're trying to win a game for your team or country, it becomes less about your personal integrity surely?
You're trying to do enough to keep getting reselected and you're trying to keep your stats up. If your career or game is hanging on it why walk?

Not that this was the case. He either was feeling saintly or his back was that sore and he felt that the lead was just sufficient and Ervine could probably get another 20 or so.

[jaybro]

Who walks these days? That's old school. Cricket isn't really a gentleman's game either. You can't sledge the shit out of people then walk, or have a beer afterwards surely? Its becomes like that Hollywood roast. It's stupid.

Or a fast bowler trying to knock your head off then suddenly concerned when he actually hits you, it's laughable. He was trying to hit you for the last 4 overs, eventually succeeds and then has a worried look on his face whilst he checks you're OK.

I would think statistically 90% of batsmen have more decisions go against them than for them, why increase those odds? Plus you're trying to win a game for your team or country, it becomes less about your personal integrity surely?
You're trying to do enough to keep getting reselected and you're trying to keep your stats up. If your career or game is hanging on it why walk?

Not that this was the case. He either was feeling saintly or his back was that sore and he felt that the lead was just sufficient and Ervine could probably get another 20 or so.

Considering the Afghans would be the last team to recall you if you got a rough call, I wouldn’t be walking if I nicked off.

[Andy31]

I wouldn’t be surprised if we go spin heavy in our bowling today.

[Kriterion_BD]

Who walks these days? That's old school. Cricket isn't really a gentleman's game either. You can't sledge the shit out of people then walk, or have a beer afterwards surely? Its becomes like that Hollywood roast. It's stupid.

Or a fast bowler trying to knock your head off then suddenly concerned when he actually hits you, it's laughable. He was trying to hit you for the last 4 overs, eventually succeeds and then has a worried look on his face whilst he checks you're OK.

I would think statistically 90% of batsmen have more decisions go against them than for them, why increase those odds? Plus you're trying to win a game for your team or country, it becomes less about your personal integrity surely?
You're trying to do enough to keep getting reselected and you're trying to keep your stats up. If your career or game is hanging on it why walk?

Not that this was the case. He either was feeling saintly or his back was that sore and he felt that the lead was just sufficient and Ervine could probably get another 20 or so.

No one walks these days, thats true. Should you? Thats debatable. Its up to the umpire to decide, and now there is DRS so either side can appeal if they are adamant. So that kinda excludes the need to walk.

As for bowlers hitting batters. Its not that cut and dry. I've hit my friends - who I care about - with short balls before, and here's the kicker...I did it on purpose. But I was still like "oh shit..." and was worried immediately after I'd hit them. In hindsight, I prolly should have tried to bounce them out with my 62 mph thunderbolts...but thats how it goes.

[Andy31]

Very good start here