Naseer Khan Takes Four Wickets on Day 1- IPL

Afghanistan fought back against Zimbabwe on the opening day of the second Test in Sharjah on November 13, 2026. Zimbabwe were in a strong position after Innocent Kaia and Brendan Taylor scored freely in the first two sessions. However, debutant Naseer Khan Maroofkhil picked up four wickets to bring Afghanistan back into the game.

Zimbabwe Openers Put Afghanistan Under Pressure

Both teams made changes for the second Test. Zimbabwe missed Craig Ervine and Newman Nyamhuri, while Afghanistan made three changes to their playing XI. Innocent Kaia started quickly, while Ben Curran took his time to settle in. The openers added 50 runs before Kaia hit Naseer for a six and a four. Curran also hit a six off the same bowler as Zimbabwe kept the pressure on Afghanistan.

Curran looked comfortable at the crease but Naseer dismissed him lbw for 44 just after lunch. Kaia had already reached his half-century and continued to score runs with Brendan Taylor at the other end. Taylor also attacked the Afghanistan bowlers, hitting Naseer for two consecutive boundaries and Shahidi for a six. Zimbabwe finished the second session in a strong position.

Naseer Khan Maroofkhil Takes Four Wickets

Afghanistan came back strongly in the final session, with Naseer leading the attack. He dismissed Kaia lbw after the opener missed a sweep shot. Naseer struck again in his next over, removing Brian Bennett for a duck. Wessly Madhevere then mistimed a shot to give the debutant his fourth wicket. Zimbabwe had moved from 200/1 to 212/4 in a short period. Antum Naqvi and Taylor tried to stop the collapse, with the latter continuing to score freely.

Brendan Taylor Falls Five Runs Short Of Century

Naqvi took 18 balls to open his account before hitting a six after the final drinks break. However, Ziaur Rahman Sharifi dismissed him after finding the outside edge. Taylor continued to hold his ground despite losing partners at the other end. He was five runs short of his century when bad light stopped play.

Taylor had also missed a second-innings century in the previous Test after getting run out. He finished the opening day unbeaten on 95, with Zimbabwe looking to add more runs on the second day.

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