Favourites Zimbabwe need to be wary of the Rashid factor
Zimbabwe are chasing a series win (one-off Tests excluded) for the first time since 2004.
ABU DHABI (Web Desk) - Afghanistan and Zimbabwe have had nearly five days to plan for the second Test after the opener in Abu Dhabi ended inside two days.
Zimbabwe are on the brink of a series win, and not just a one-off triumph, for the first time since beating Bangladesh in 2004. For Afghanistan, who ve only so far featured in standalone Tests, it s a chance to prove they re no pushovers.
The break has brought good news for them, too. Leg-spinning all-rounder Rashid Khan has recovered from the finger injury he sustained in the PSL and is expected to slot back into the XI. Therein lies Zimbabwe s biggest challenge.
They struggled against the left-arm spin of Amir Hamza, who took a career-best six for 75 in the first Test. Rashid, who will take the ball away from the right-handers, will pose more questions. Zimbabwe will need to get used to the pace at which he bowls, which is a shade quicker than traditional spinners, and familiarise themselves with his ripping googlies.
Considering two key batsmen Brendan Taylor and Craig Ervine are missing, Zimbabwe acquainted themselves superbly to tough conditions. They will want to use the second Test as an opportunity to further strengthen their positions.
Afghanistan, too, have to focus on batting if they are to put up a fight to save the series. Their lack of experience in long-format cricket was apparent in the first Test and they will want to show more application.
Although there is no shame in matches ending in fewer than five days - look no further than India and England two-day and three-day encounters - both Afghanistan and Zimbabwe will be eager to display their credentials in going the distance as this series is decided.
