Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[bryant.coleman]

Anyone watching the match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe? Afghanistan declared at 545/4, with Hashmatullah Shahidi becoming the first Afghan to score a double hundred. The captain (Asghar Stanikzai) also made a sizable contribution, by making 164. Remember that during the last match, Afghanistan made totals of 131 and 135, losing to Zimbabwe by 10 wickets (and that too, in two days).

[vella85]

Anyone watching the match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe? Afghanistan declared at 545/4, with Hashmatullah Shahidi becoming the first Afghan to score a double hundred. The captain (Asghar Stanikzai) also made a sizable contribution, by making 164. Remember that during the last match, Afghanistan made totals of 131 and 135, losing to Zimbabwe by 10 wickets (and that too, in two days).

I have not watched the match as I don't get the coverage here but I did see the highlights and I must say that Afghanistan batted well even though they are playing a poorly ranked team in Zimbabwe but still I thought they batted well to score 500+ with only losing 4 wickets. Afghanistan look to be a much better team from the last time they played Zimbabwe but the pitch does look like a batting pitch so we shall see how well Zimbabwe bat which so far are doing well at 0 for 50.

[Sithara007]

I have not watched the match as I don't get the coverage here but I did see the highlights and I must say that Afghanistan batted well even though they are playing a poorly ranked team in Zimbabwe but still I thought they batted well to score 500+ with only losing 4 wickets. Afghanistan look to be a much better team from the last time they played Zimbabwe but the pitch does look like a batting pitch so we shall see how well Zimbabwe bat which so far are doing well at 0 for 50.

Both the teams have to deal with their own issues. Consistency is a big issue for Afghanistan, as they were bowled out for less than 150 runs in both the innings during the first test. And for Zimbabwe, their key players are unavailable most of the time and that affects their performance. At this point, both the teams (and Ireland) stand no chance against the top tier test playing nations. I had high hopes for Afghanistan, but their performance in the last couple of years have been disappointing.

[Iranus]

I have not watched the match as I don't get the coverage here but I did see the highlights and I must say that Afghanistan batted well even though they are playing a poorly ranked team in Zimbabwe but still I thought they batted well to score 500+ with only losing 4 wickets. Afghanistan look to be a much better team from the last time they played Zimbabwe but the pitch does look like a batting pitch so we shall see how well Zimbabwe bat which so far are doing well at 0 for 50.

Both the teams have to deal with their own issues. Consistency is a big issue for Afghanistan, as they were bowled out for less than 150 runs in both the innings during the first test. And for Zimbabwe, their key players are unavailable most of the time and that affects their performance. At this point, both the teams (and Ireland) stand no chance against the top tier test playing nations. I had high hopes for Afghanistan, but their performance in the last couple of years have been disappointing.

Looks like this match will be a draw. Afghanistan has collected huge runs. It is not possible for Zimbabwe to win this match. So the Zimbabwean players will want to survive at the crease anyway and draw the match. After batting so poorly in the first match, Afghanistan scored 545 runs in this match but lost only 4 wickets which surprised me.

[bryant.coleman]

Looks like this match will be a draw. Afghanistan has collected huge runs. It is not possible for Zimbabwe to win this match. So the Zimbabwean players will want to survive at the crease anyway and draw the match. After batting so poorly in the first match, Afghanistan scored 545 runs in this match but lost only 4 wickets which surprised me.

To avoid follow on, Zimbabwe need 345 runs, which by itself is going to be a challenge. Zimbabwe had a good start yesterday, but surviving against Rashid Khan is going to be difficult from third day onwards. If Afghanistan could get the wickets of the experienced batsmen (Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza), then the remainder of Zimbabwe batting lineup will fall like a pack of cards. Probability is that Afghanistan will win this match, but let's see what is going to happen.

[pakhitheboss]

Looks like this match will be a draw. Afghanistan has collected huge runs. It is not possible for Zimbabwe to win this match. So the Zimbabwean players will want to survive at the crease anyway and draw the match. After batting so poorly in the first match, Afghanistan scored 545 runs in this match but lost only 4 wickets which surprised me.

To avoid follow on, Zimbabwe need 345 runs, which by itself is going to be a challenge. Zimbabwe had a good start yesterday, but surviving against Rashid Khan is going to be difficult from third day onwards. If Afghanistan could get the wickets of the experienced batsmen (Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza), then the remainder of Zimbabwe batting lineup will fall like a pack of cards. Probability is that Afghanistan will win this match, but let's see what is going to happen.

Zimbabwe is a far better team than Afghanistan. The problem with the Afgan team is that they are highly inconsistent, I do not think it will be a problem for Zimbabwe to reach 345 runs. They have started well and they will easily win this test too.

[ene1980]

Zimbabwe is a far better team than Afghanistan. The problem with the Afgan team is that they are highly inconsistent, I do not think it will be a problem for Zimbabwe to reach 345 runs. They have started well and they will easily win this test too.

In the last match Afghanistan was not playing with their full strength team and without Rashid Khan they are just a shell of their strength and in this match he is playing and it will be a different result altogether and the problem is these players focus on franchise cricket.

If their main players focus on the national team then they could defeat this Zimbabwe team with ease.

[JSRAW]

Lol just checked the ICC ranking for the batsmen and Rohit-Pant made a huge career ranking jump. They both having a good time in WTC and test specialist batsmen Pujara and Rahane are not even in top 10 anymore lol. Hope they both will perform when india starts touring in SENA again.


Big crisis in World test cricket as far as all rounders are concern. Can't remember any other name in last 5 years who made into top 5 except existing top 5 (Holder, Stokes,Jadeja,Ashwin,Shakib). Only these 5 players fight among themselves for top ranks.

[Vishnu.Reang]

Zimbabwe is a far better team than Afghanistan. The problem with the Afgan team is that they are highly inconsistent, I do not think it will be a problem for Zimbabwe to reach 345 runs. They have started well and they will easily win this test too.

I don't think that there is a lot of gap between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. Even with their best players (Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Kyle Jarvis.etc), Zimbabwe would struggle against Afghanistan. If you are talking about Ireland, then I would agree. These two teams are ahead of Ireland, as the latter has been on a downslide ever since it got the test status. Ireland is overdependent on Paul Stirling (who is not getting any younger), while Zimbabwe and Afghanistan have somewhat balanced sides.

[Iranus]

Looks like this match will be a draw. Afghanistan has collected huge runs. It is not possible for Zimbabwe to win this match. So the Zimbabwean players will want to survive at the crease anyway and draw the match. After batting so poorly in the first match, Afghanistan scored 545 runs in this match but lost only 4 wickets which surprised me.

To avoid follow on, Zimbabwe need 345 runs, which by itself is going to be a challenge. Zimbabwe had a good start yesterday, but surviving against Rashid Khan is going to be difficult from third day onwards. If Afghanistan could get the wickets of the experienced batsmen (Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza), then the remainder of Zimbabwe batting lineup will fall like a pack of cards. Probability is that Afghanistan will win this match, but let's see what is going to happen.

Zimbabwe is a far better team than Afghanistan. The problem with the Afgan team is that they are highly inconsistent, I do not think it will be a problem for Zimbabwe to reach 345 runs. They have started well and they will easily win this test too.

As much as Zimbabwe won the first Test match with respect, they are going to lose the second Test match with the same disrespect. Afghanistan has comeback greatly after the disaster in the first match. But I never thought Zimbabwe would play so badly. Now I think they will lose the match by an innings. I thought they will be able to collect more than 350 runs in the first innings. But they lost all their wickets for just 287 runs.

[vella85]

Looks like this match will be a draw. Afghanistan has collected huge runs. It is not possible for Zimbabwe to win this match. So the Zimbabwean players will want to survive at the crease anyway and draw the match. After batting so poorly in the first match, Afghanistan scored 545 runs in this match but lost only 4 wickets which surprised me.

To avoid follow on, Zimbabwe need 345 runs, which by itself is going to be a challenge. Zimbabwe had a good start yesterday, but surviving against Rashid Khan is going to be difficult from third day onwards. If Afghanistan could get the wickets of the experienced batsmen (Sean Williams and Sikandar Raza), then the remainder of Zimbabwe batting lineup will fall like a pack of cards. Probability is that Afghanistan will win this match, but let's see what is going to happen.

Zimbabwe is a far better team than Afghanistan. The problem with the Afgan team is that they are highly inconsistent, I do not think it will be a problem for Zimbabwe to reach 345 runs. They have started well and they will easily win this test too.

As much as Zimbabwe won the first Test match with respect, they are going to lose the second Test match with the same disrespect. Afghanistan has comeback greatly after the disaster in the first match. But I never thought Zimbabwe would play so badly. Now I think they will lose the match by an innings. I thought they will be able to collect more than 350 runs in the first innings. But they lost all their wickets for just 287 runs.

Not sure if Zimbabwe will lose by an innings as they will be taking their time batting to try and make Afghanistan bat again and maybe if they can get a small lead of say 100 runs, then it puts all the pressure back on Afghanistan to try and win the match. We don't see teams follow-on much anymore and to see Afghanistan ask Zimbabwe to follow-on shows that the Afghan team are confident they can get the job done and win the match.

[Sithara007]

Not sure if Zimbabwe will lose by an innings as they will be taking their time batting to try and make Afghanistan bat again and maybe if they can get a small lead of say 100 runs, then it puts all the pressure back on Afghanistan to try and win the match. We don't see teams follow-on much anymore and to see Afghanistan ask Zimbabwe to follow-on shows that the Afghan team are confident they can get the job done and win the match.

Zimbabwe is still trailing by 234 runs. If they want to build a lead of 100 runs, then they need to make a total of 358, which looks very difficult. Both Rashid Khan and Amir Hamza looks to be in splendid form, and as match progresses, the surface will give more and more assistance to the spinners. In the first innings also, only Prince Masvaure and Sikandar Raza showed resistance against the Afghan spin bowlers.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Not sure if Zimbabwe will lose by an innings as they will be taking their time batting to try and make Afghanistan bat again and maybe if they can get a small lead of say 100 runs, then it puts all the pressure back on Afghanistan to try and win the match. We don't see teams follow-on much anymore and to see Afghanistan ask Zimbabwe to follow-on shows that the Afghan team are confident they can get the job done and win the match.

Zimbabwe is still trailing by 234 runs. If they want to build a lead of 100 runs, then they need to make a total of 358, which looks very difficult. Both Rashid Khan and Amir Hamza looks to be in splendid form, and as match progresses, the surface will give more and more assistance to the spinners. In the first innings also, only Prince Masvaure and Sikandar Raza showed resistance against the Afghan spin bowlers.

Collecting 357 runs is certainly difficult for Zimbabwe, but it is not impossible. If Afghanistan 545 runs by losing only 4 wickets, I think the Zimbabwean team has the capacity to score at least 400 runs. There is no possibility of this match being a draw. At the moment the match is completely occupied by Afghanistan. Unless a miracle happens, Afghanistan will win the match today.

[eaLiTy]

If Afghanistan 545 runs by losing only 4 wickets, I think the Zimbabwean team has the capacity to score at least 400 runs. There is no possibility of this match being a draw. At the moment the match is completely occupied by Afghanistan. Unless a miracle happens, Afghanistan will win the match today.

It depends on how the Zimbabwe players play Rashid Khan and the match is played in the UAE which helps the spinners in the final two days and it is going to be a huge task as Zimbabwe still trail by 234 runs and it is going to be a huge task to take a lead and with plenty of time left in the match it is a game for Afghanistan to win and level the series.

[pakhitheboss]

If Afghanistan 545 runs by losing only 4 wickets, I think the Zimbabwean team has the capacity to score at least 400 runs. There is no possibility of this match being a draw. At the moment the match is completely occupied by Afghanistan. Unless a miracle happens, Afghanistan will win the match today.

It depends on how the Zimbabwe players play Rashid Khan and the match is played in the UAE which helps the spinners in the final two days and it is going to be a huge task as Zimbabwe still trail by 234 runs and it is going to be a huge task to take a lead and with plenty of time left in the match it is a game for Afghanistan to win and level the series.

ZIM is trailing by 229 they have not lost any wicket in this session but their chance of winning this test looks very bleak. It is Day 4 and as the match progresses I do not think it will be an easy task for ZIM to avert a defeat. Google probability score also shows Afganisthan has more probability to win this test.

[Swordsoffreedom]

If Afghanistan 545 runs by losing only 4 wickets, I think the Zimbabwean team has the capacity to score at least 400 runs. There is no possibility of this match being a draw. At the moment the match is completely occupied by Afghanistan. Unless a miracle happens, Afghanistan will win the match today.

It depends on how the Zimbabwe players play Rashid Khan and the match is played in the UAE which helps the spinners in the final two days and it is going to be a huge task as Zimbabwe still trail by 234 runs and it is going to be a huge task to take a lead and with plenty of time left in the match it is a game for Afghanistan to win and level the series.

ZIM is trailing by 229 they have not lost any wicket in this session but their chance of winning this test looks very bleak. It is Day 4 and as the match progresses I do not think it will be an easy task for ZIM to avert a defeat. Google probability score also shows Afganisthan has more probability to win this test.

Zimbabwe scored 44 runs without losing a wicket. Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure are batting with great confidence. If the two of them can form a partnership of more than 100 runs, then Zimbabwe will be able to have a good fight against Afghanistan. But if they lose the opening wicket quickly, it will not be happy for Zimbabwe.

Edit : Zimbabwe lost the wicket of Prince Masuvaure. He has collected only 15 runs. His strike night was 20.26. If his innings had been longer, Zimbabwe would have been able to collect a big total.

[pakhitheboss]

If Afghanistan 545 runs by losing only 4 wickets, I think the Zimbabwean team has the capacity to score at least 400 runs. There is no possibility of this match being a draw. At the moment the match is completely occupied by Afghanistan. Unless a miracle happens, Afghanistan will win the match today.

It depends on how the Zimbabwe players play Rashid Khan and the match is played in the UAE which helps the spinners in the final two days and it is going to be a huge task as Zimbabwe still trail by 234 runs and it is going to be a huge task to take a lead and with plenty of time left in the match it is a game for Afghanistan to win and level the series.

ZIM is trailing by 229 they have not lost any wicket in this session but their chance of winning this test looks very bleak. It is Day 4 and as the match progresses I do not think it will be an easy task for ZIM to avert a defeat. Google probability score also shows Afganisthan has more probability to win this test.

Zimbabwe scored 44 runs without losing a wicket. Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure are batting with great confidence. If the two of them can form a partnership of more than 100 runs, then Zimbabwe will be able to have a good fight against Afghanistan. But if they lose the opening wicket quickly, it will not be happy for Zimbabwe.

Edit : Zimbabwe lost the wicket of Prince Masuvaure. He has collected only 15 runs. His strike night was 20.26. If his innings had been longer, Zimbabwe would have been able to collect a big total.

Zimbabwe is in deep trouble now, they have already lost 7 wickets and it is a completely one-sided match. Great cricket by Afganistan, they not only batted well they have also bowled well. When Zimbabwe started to bat today I was under the impression that they might pull through but great bowling by Rashid Khan, he himself claimed 5 wickets out of 7.

[JSRAW]

I hope Afghanistan get to play more test matches. They are only 5 match old and already registered 2 wins. If they went to win today then it would be their 3rd win in just 6th test match, not a bad record. Can imagine if they get regular games even against low ranking teams, in longer run it would do tons of good for Afghan cricket over all.

Time test playing nation took to register their first win.

Lol okay, i thought time duration of any test, anyway here is the list

1. Australia : Test Debut in 1877 , Won in first match.
2. England :  Test Debut 1877 , Won in same year on their 2nd match.
3. South Africa : Test Debut in 1889, First win came in 1906 after 11 test.
4. West Indies: Test Debut in 1928, First win in 1930 after 5th test Match
5. New Zealand: Test Debut in 1930, First Test win in 1956 after 44 match  They are Winners - 26 Years
6.India : Test Debut in 1932 , First Test win came in 1952 on their 25th match.
7. Sri Lanka: Test Debut in1982, First Win in 1985 after 13 test match.
8.Pakistan: Test debut in 1952, won in same year on their 2nd match.
9. Bangladesh : Test Debut in 2000, Won first game in 2005 after 34 match.

[Swordsoffreedom]

It depends on how the Zimbabwe players play Rashid Khan and the match is played in the UAE which helps the spinners in the final two days and it is going to be a huge task as Zimbabwe still trail by 234 runs and it is going to be a huge task to take a lead and with plenty of time left in the match it is a game for Afghanistan to win and level the series.

ZIM is trailing by 229 they have not lost any wicket in this session but their chance of winning this test looks very bleak. It is Day 4 and as the match progresses I do not think it will be an easy task for ZIM to avert a defeat. Google probability score also shows Afganisthan has more probability to win this test.

Zimbabwe scored 44 runs without losing a wicket. Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure are batting with great confidence. If the two of them can form a partnership of more than 100 runs, then Zimbabwe will be able to have a good fight against Afghanistan. But if they lose the opening wicket quickly, it will not be happy for Zimbabwe.

Edit : Zimbabwe lost the wicket of Prince Masuvaure. He has collected only 15 runs. His strike night was 20.26. If his innings had been longer, Zimbabwe would have been able to collect a big total.

Zimbabwe is in deep trouble now, they have already lost 7 wickets and it is a completely one-sided match. Great cricket by Afganistan, they not only batted well they have also bowled well. When Zimbabwe started to bat today I was under the impression that they might pull through but great bowling by Rashid Khan, he himself claimed 5 wickets out of 7.

Zimbabwe formed a huge partnership of 122 runs in the seventh wicket partnership. Sean Williams is unbeaten on 106 and Donald Tripano is unbeaten on 63 runs. The match is likely to be drawn if Zimbabwe can score more than 120 runs in the first season. The match is still completely under the control of Afghanistan. The match is likely to be drawn if Zimbabwe are able to play well in the first session of the next day.

[onrise]

If Afghanistan 545 runs by losing only 4 wickets, I think the Zimbabwean team has the capacity to score at least 400 runs. There is no possibility of this match being a draw. At the moment the match is completely occupied by Afghanistan. Unless a miracle happens, Afghanistan will win the match today.

It depends on how the Zimbabwe players play Rashid Khan and the match is played in the UAE which helps the spinners in the final two days and it is going to be a huge task as Zimbabwe still trail by 234 runs and it is going to be a huge task to take a lead and with plenty of time left in the match it is a game for Afghanistan to win and level the series.

ZIM is trailing by 229 they have not lost any wicket in this session but their chance of winning this test looks very bleak. It is Day 4 and as the match progresses I do not think it will be an easy task for ZIM to avert a defeat. Google probability score also shows Afganisthan has more probability to win this test.

Zimbabwe scored 44 runs without losing a wicket. Kevin Kasuza and Prince Masvaure are batting with great confidence. If the two of them can form a partnership of more than 100 runs, then Zimbabwe will be able to have a good fight against Afghanistan. But if they lose the opening wicket quickly, it will not be happy for Zimbabwe.

Edit : Zimbabwe lost the wicket of Prince Masuvaure. He has collected only 15 runs. His strike night was 20.26. If his innings had been longer, Zimbabwe would have been able to collect a big total.

Zimbabwe is in deep trouble now, they have already lost 7 wickets and it is a completely one-sided match. Great cricket by Afganistan, they not only batted well they have also bowled well. When Zimbabwe started to bat today I was under the impression that they might pull through but great bowling by Rashid Khan, he himself claimed 5 wickets out of 7.

Zimbabwe formed a huge partnership of 122 runs in the seventh wicket partnership. Sean Williams is unbeaten on 106 and Donald Tripano is unbeaten on 63 runs. The match is likely to be drawn if Zimbabwe can score more than 120 runs in the first season. The match is still completely under the control of Afghanistan. The match is likely to be drawn if Zimbabwe are able to play well in the first session of the next day.

Afghanistan made a good comeback in this series as they lost badly the first test and now mostly will win this test match. Brilliant first innings batting by Shahidi and Asghar just dint allowed the Zimbabwe to make a comeback in the game. Thought Zimbabwe would atleast be better and situation would not arise of follow on.