[MATCH THREAD] 2nd Test Afghanistan v Zimbabwe @Abu Dhabi

[grant]

Good thing they decided to enforce a follow on. The pitch is still pretty good for batting if our batsmen show some application. If we can get a lead of 150-200, we could be in for a chance to win this.

[CholeZimbo]

Long time boys! Best believe i have been following every ball in all the last few matches. Same feeling supporting Zim cricket. it is like a drug. You just crave that victory and such an emotional roller coaster watching this team. hate that you love them type of relationship.

Onto this game! again poor shot selection, the afghan bowlers have not been that great. Following on always embarrassing. But as usual a fanatic always hopes against all odds. At least let us make them bat again.

[CholeZimbo]

Good thing they decided to enforce a follow on. The pitch is still pretty good for batting if our batsmen show some application. If we can get a lead of 150-200, we could be in for a chance to win this.

lol I thought i was the most hopeful. let's see mate

[zimfan1]

Good thing they decided to enforce a follow on. The pitch is still pretty good for batting if our batsmen show some application. If we can get a lead of 150-200, we could be in for a chance to win this.

Strange decision as it is the only way we can win, chance to get a 150 run lead then who knows.

Or we may crumble to 130 all out

[Jemisi]

We have a better chance at a long third innings effort than a long fourth innings effort I reckon

[zimlover]

Too many blocks will get you out!Its that simple

[Mr Twig]

Ballsy move to force the follow-on.

Would love to see an Andy Flower 232* style knock from someone to save the match

[CrimsonAvenger]

The inexperience in tests could be a good thing sometimes. Afghans not fearing about enforcing follow on might just be the move they need to have enough time to roll us over twoce. 3rd innings being better to bat might not help much if we cant even reach their score in the first place.

Good knock by Raza anyway.

[CrimsonAvenger]

Raza and Ragis must bat before Wes, Burl and Tari in the second dig.

[zimbos_05]

Too many blocks will get you out!Its that simple

This so much. I've spoken about mentality and coaching for years but it never gets addressed.

Say what you want about Rashid, but you just don't go out so cheaply and for such a low score when the other team clearly proved it to be a road. One of their players scored pretty much all our runs. Batting pitches do not deteriorate that fast over the space of 2 days.

We have a serious mentality and development issue. We have players who get it a certain point and then just stop. Never get further. This is my biggest fear for Wes. Our whole side just stagnates.

We need far better coaches, analysts, sports psych too. Hondo and co just do not cut it.