Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan: High-Scoring First Test Ends in a Draw with Record-Breaking Performances
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Bulawayo (Zimbabwe), Dec 30 (NationPress) - The initial Test clash between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe saw several records shattered, concluding in a high-scoring stalemate at the Queens Sports Club on Monday. Both teams delivered impressive first innings totals, leaving little action needed in the second innings as the match concluded in a draw.
Zimbabwe, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, achieved a remarkable first innings total of 586, highlighted by centuries from Sean Williams (154), captain Craig Ervine (104), and Brian Bennett (110 not out), marking their highest total ever in a Boxing Day Test.
The bowlers struggled to make an impact in a match dominated by batting performances. Afghanistan's AM Ghazanfar was the standout bowler in the first innings, claiming three wickets, complemented by two wickets each from Naveed Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Zahir Khan, which allowed Zimbabwe to set a total they hoped would secure victory.
However, Rahmat Shah made headlines with an outstanding innings of 234, alongside captain Hashmatullah Shahidi's 246. Their partnership of 364 stands as Afghanistan's highest in Test history, and with Afsar Zazai contributing a solid 113, the team achieved a record total of 699, establishing a lead of 113 runs. Bennett also made history by becoming the youngest player to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in a men's Test match, with bowling figures of 5-95.
Rain interruptions on Days 4 and 5 left a draw looking inevitable. Nevertheless, a sudden collapse of Zimbabwe's top order shifted the game dramatically. Initially comfortable with a 73-run opening partnership between Joylord Gumbie and Ben Curran, the hosts quickly fell to 88-4 in just five overs. Once again, Williams and Ervine came to the rescue, securing the draw with an unbroken 54-run partnership.
“I believe Rahmat Shah performed exceptionally. He played some remarkable shots and formed a solid partnership with me. As senior players, it's our duty to take responsibility. I commend Rahmat Shah for his performance; he is the best player on our team and I hope he continues to excel for the country,” said the player of the match, Hashmatullah Shahidi.
Brief score:
Zimbabwe: 586 & 142/4 in 34 overs (Ben Curran 44, Sean Williams 35 not out; Zahir Khan 2-43) drew with Afghanistan: 699 all out in 197 overs (Hashmatullah Shahidi 246, Rahmat Shah 234; Afsar Zazai 113; Brian Bennett 5-95, Sean Williams 2-145)
