ZIM vs AFG: Rashid Khan takes 6-for to put Afghanistan two wickets away from series win

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ZIM vs AFG: Rashid Khan's six-wicket haul on Day 4 of the second Test has put Afghanistan on the verge of a series victory against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo. Zimbabwe ended the day at 205/8, needing 73 runs to win, with captain Craig Ervine unbeaten on 53 and two wickets in hand.

Afghanistan started the day with a commanding position, resuming at 363 in their second innings, thanks to debutant Ismat Alam's century. Ismat, who had turned his maiden Test fifty into a ton, became Afghanistan's highest scorer on Test debut with 101.

His partnership with Rashid Khan bolstered Afghanistan's total, but Blessing Muzarabani's 6/95 wrapped up the innings quickly, setting Zimbabwe a target of 278. Zimbabwe began their chase brightly, with Ben Curran hitting two late cuts in an attacking start.

However, the introduction of spin turned the tide. Zia-ur-Rehman struck first, dismissing Joylord Gumbie with a reverse sweep gone wrong. Rashid Khan then dismantled Zimbabwe's batting, starting with Curran, who was bowled by a delivery spinning in from the rough.

Zimbabwe's middle order struggled under Rashid's relentless attack. Dion Myers fell to a wrong'un for Rashid's 400th international wicket. Sikandar Raza and Ervine offered resistance with a 58-run partnership, keeping the scoreboard ticking with singles. However, Raza's attempted drive off a wide delivery ended with a catch at cover, breaking the stand.

Rashid struck again in quick succession, dismissing Sean Williams and Brian Bennett with sharp turners, completing his fifth Test five-wicket haul. Zia joined the attack, trapping Newman Nyamhuri lbw, as Zimbabwe slumped from 150/4 to 174/8.

Despite the collapse, Ervine held firm, reaching his second half-century of the match with boundaries off Rashid and Zia. Richard Ngarava's calf injury and fading light brought an early end to the day's play, leaving Zimbabwe with a daunting task on the final day.

Afghanistan's bowlers, led by Rashid, have given their team a strong chance to secure the series win, with Zimbabwe needing a herculean effort to overcome the deficit.