Rashid Khan on the challenges of returning to the field after surgery: Reflecting on his heroic Test performance

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Bulawayo [Zimbabwe]: Rashid Khan made a spectacular comeback to Test cricket, putting on a dominant display that earned him the "Player of the Match" award. His outstanding bowling performance of 4/94 in the first innings and 7/66 in the second innings played a key role in Afghanistan's 72-run victory over Zimbabwe in the second and final Test at Queens Sports Club. Khan's heroics on the field helped seal the series win for Afghanistan.

Reflecting on the match, Rashid expressed gratitude for the team's effort and determination.

"After three years, back in Test cricket, it was hard for me to come back from back surgery and play the longest format. It is a team effort, the way they [the batters] delivered with the bat in the second innings that got us back [in the game]," he said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Rashid highlighted the significant contributions of Rahmat Shah and debutant Izmatullah, who overcame challenging conditions to anchor Afghanistan's second innings.

"When there is team effort, you have more chances of winning. The way Rahmat and Izmat batted, it was not easy, especially for Izmat getting out [on zero] on debut. The way he came back, got hit, but stood there it was a great example of him wanting to be there at the end and bat for the country. He wants to take all the pressure on himself and he set the example," Rashid added.

The duo's partnership not only stabilized Afghanistan's innings but also set up a platform for Rashid to weave his magic with the ball.

"He and Rahmat gave us the chance to come back . It is about keeping it simple, making sure you adjust to the conditions and the situations," he added.

Rashid admitted that transitioning back to red-ball cricket after three years was challenging, especially post-surgery.

"Have not bowled much with the red ball, have not even touched it [in the last three years]. Tried to have belief [in what I have been doing for the last 10-12 years in international cricket]," he explained.

His ability to adjust to the conditions and maintain discipline in his length proved decisive.

"Does not matter if I am bowling quicker or slower, but more about the length I ball - that is what creates problems. I try to adjust to the conditions as quickly as I can," Rashid noted.

Afghanistan's victory underlines the team's growing stature in Test cricket, with Rashid Khan's heroics reaffirming his status as one of the game's premier match-winners.

With this victory, the visitors seal the two-match series 1-0. Rahmat Shah was awarded the "Player of the Series" award for his exceptional batting performance which included a double hundred in the first Test.

Chasing a total of 277 runs, the hosts were bowled out for 205. The highest scorer in the side was their skipper Craig Ervine who slammed 53 runs which was laced with four boundaries and a maximum.

Sikandar Raza , Ben Curran , Takudzwanshe Kaitano , Sean Williams and Joylord Gumbie played notable for their side but it went in vain as their team end up on a losing side.

For the Afghanistan side, the pick of the bowler was Rashid Khan who grabbed seven wickets in his spell of 27.3 overs where he conceded 66 runs. Two wickets were snapped by left-arm spinner Zia-Ur-Rehman in his 15 overs where he gave away 44 runs.

Earlier in the third innings, Afghanistan scored 363 with the help of knocks from Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam .

For Zimbabwe, six wickets were bagged by right-arm seamer Blessing Muzarabani in his spell of 29 overs where he conceded 95 runs. Three wickets were taken by Richard Ngarava and one wicket was taken by Sikandar Raza.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.

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