[MATCH THREAD] 2nd Test Afghanistan v Zimbabwe @Abu Dhabi

[Jemisi]

A draw is probably most likely if the Afghans get tempted to set some batting records. Watch out Sri Lanka at this rate.

[zimbos_05]

Says a lot that we are ready to discuss how to save this test when the first innings isn't even done. Mentality. We lack it.

It seems the pitch has plenty to offer for the batsmen so our guys should really make the most of it. It's all going to come down to the approach. If Prince and Kevin are 30/0 after 20 overs, then we will probably be in some trouble a bit.

Craig would have milked this pitch.

[Kriterion_BD]

Zimbabwe have drawn Tests against stronger teams recetly (West Indies, Sri Lanka). But the pitch is turning quite a bit now.

But its about putting the ball in the right areas and if the Afghan spinners don't do that, ZIM will get a big total also.

[Kriterion_BD]

If Prince and Kevin are 30/0 after 20 overs, then we will probably be in some trouble a bit.

KK and PM won't be 80-0 after 20, so 30-0 sounds like the likeliest option without having them both in the hut.

[Jemisi]

Says a lot that we are ready to discuss how to save this test when the first innings isn't even done. Mentality. We lack it.

It seems the pitch has plenty to offer for the batsmen so our guys should really make the most of it. It's all going to come down to the approach. If Prince and Kevin are 30/0 after 20 overs, then we will probably be in some trouble a bit.

Craig would have milked this pitch.

To win from here we have to find 7/100 and then post 650+ then knock them over for 180.

[zimbos_05]

To win from here we have to find 7/100 and then post 650+ then knock them over for 180.

I'm not saying we have to push for the win. I'm just saying the mentality shouldn't be, "well we either lose this or draw this". The mentality should not be to think about losing because we do that all too well. We default to "as long as we don't lose" and then we end up losing because we are not thinking bigger picture or better picture.

Our players should see this as an opportunity to take the fight to Afghanistan. Even if we get 400/450 in our first innings, it will be a good effort and will make Afghanistan second guess their 2nd innings. They might feel they need to push quickly to get runs or bat longer. They start to play some wayward shots and wickets fall. Or if they bat longer they end up batting a little too long to give themselves enough time to bowl us out.

[grant]

To win from here we have to find 7/100 and then post 650+ then knock them over for 180.

I'm not saying we have to push for the win. I'm just saying the mentality shouldn't be, "well we either lose this or draw this". The mentality should not be to think about losing because we do that all too well. We default to "as long as we don't lose" and then we end up losing because we are not thinking bigger picture or better picture.

Our players should see this as an opportunity to take the fight to Afghanistan. Even if we get 400/450 in our first innings, it will be a good effort and will make Afghanistan second guess their 2nd innings. They might feel they need to push quickly to get runs or bat longer. They start to play some wayward shots and wickets fall. Or if they bat longer they end up batting a little too long to give themselves enough time to bowl us out.

I agree. We should not look to play for a draw yet.

[sam_ahm]

Yes Rashid and Scoreboard pressure is certainly there, but if the wicket doesn't break up significantly I expect Zimbabwe to hold on. This looks like a road.

[Jemisi]

Hopefully they all see this as an opportunity for cheap test runs. For sure. But they do need a hell of a lot of them.

[brmtaylor.com admin]

To win from here we have to find 7/100 and then post 650+ then knock them over for 180.

I'm not saying we have to push for the win. I'm just saying the mentality shouldn't be, "well we either lose this or draw this". The mentality should not be to think about losing because we do that all too well. We default to "as long as we don't lose" and then we end up losing because we are not thinking bigger picture or better picture.

Our players should see this as an opportunity to take the fight to Afghanistan. Even if we get 400/450 in our first innings, it will be a good effort and will make Afghanistan second guess their 2nd innings. They might feel they need to push quickly to get runs or bat longer. They start to play some wayward shots and wickets fall. Or if they bat longer they end up batting a little too long to give themselves enough time to bowl us out.

I agree. We should not look to play for a draw yet.

We can't win from this position, I think it would be crazy if the team is even entertaining that as a possibility.
As we're 1-0 up in the series, the only thing on our mind from here should be a draw now. Let's bank the series win.

When we get our turn, let's try and bat for 150+ overs. I have a bad feeling Rashid is going to end up with about 7/50 though and we're going to make this road look like a minefield.