Sean Williams lit up the first day of the opening Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo, scoring a masterly fifth Test century. His unbeaten 128 off 146 balls, laced with eight boundaries and three sixes, powered Zimbabwe to a commanding 336/4 in 80.2 overs. The home side, having opted to bat, looks set to post a formidable first-innings total.
Williams arrived at the crease in a pivotal moment after Zimbabwe lost Joylord Gumbie (9) and Ben Curran (68) within the first session. He batted brightly on Test debut with an elegant 68 off 74 balls, hitting 11 boundaries. Partnered with the astute batting of 46 off 115 deliveries from Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Curran showed a way out for his team just before falling victim to another impressive Afghan newcomer, AM Ghazanfar.
Sean Williams slams fifth Test century, other batters set the base for Zimbabwe
The afternoon session was the preserve of Williams, who constructed useful partnerships with Dion Myers (27) and skipper Craig Ervine. Williams’ knock was a mix of composure and aggression, characterized by his clean striking against the spinners. Ervine, on the other hand, gave good support, scoring an unbeaten 50 off 81 balls.
Afghanistan’s bowlers toiled hard on a flat Queens Sports Club pitch. Ghazanfar was the standout performer, with 2/81 off 21 overs, while Zahir Khan and Naveed Zadran added one each. Afghanistan’s attack could not really break through after tea, though they did maintain a tight line at first as Williams and Ervine cashed in on tiring bowlers.
The day saw plenty of landmarks for Zimbabwe. Williams went to his century off just 115 balls and this became the turning point in the innings. Zimbabwe then comfortably crossed 300 during the evening session. Zimbabwe will look forward to the unbroken fifth-wicket stand, which stands at 116 runs, between Williams and Ervine as Day 2 approaches.
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