The Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and Bulawayo ended in a high-scoring tiewith both teams showing off their fighting prowess. Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 in the first innings, led by stellar centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett. Afghanistan responded with a monumental 699, courtesy of a double century from Hashmatullah Shahidi and a brilliant hit Rahmat Shah. With little time left on the final day, Zimbabwe reached 142/4 in their second innings, ensuring the game ended in a stalemate.
Zimbabwe set the tone with a mammoth first set
Zimbabwe’s first innings was a masterclass of composure and strategic play. Williams led the way with a commanding 154 off 174 balls, supported by Erwin’s patient 104. The duo’s 200-run partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s commanding total of 586. Bennett added a quickfire 110 not out, speeding the score to last stage. The Afghanistan bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, he struggled to contain the Zimbabwe batters. Naveed Zadran and Zaheer Khan batted with two wickets each but could not prevent the home side from amassing a substantial total. By the end of play on Day 1, Zimbabwe had already signaled their intent. Day two saw Afghanistan start their reply cautiously, reaching 95/2 at stumps, with Rahmat and Shahidi beginning to build a formidable partnership.
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Afghanistan’s top order dominates: Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan’s reply was anchored in a historic partnership between Rahmat and Shahidi. Rahmat’s marathon knock of 234 and Shahidi’s masterful 246 were the cornerstones of Afghanistan’s 699 total. Their partnership of 364 for the third wicket left Zimbabwe’s bowlers frustrated. Afsar Zazai contributed a crucial 113, adding depth to the innings. Despite valiant efforts, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Bennett with five wickets, could not prevent Afghanistan from taking the lead. On day four, Afghanistan had firmly established their dominance, but with no time left to force a result, the match looked destined for a draw.
Highest Individual Score for Afghanistan in Test Cricket 🏏
246: Hashmatullah Shahidi v Zimbabwe, 2024
234: Rahmat Shah v Zimbabwe, 2024#cricket #ZIMvAFG #HashmatullahShahidi #RahmatShah pic.twitter.com/CkIZoe19z0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024
Zimbabwe hold firm to force a draw
Zimbabwe’s second innings began with a mixture of caution and aggression as they aimed to erase Afghanistan’s slender lead. Joylord Gaby (24) and Ben Curran (41) provided a solid start, but quick wins from Zaheer Khan and Ghazanfar threatened to derail their entries. However, Williams (35 not out) and Ervine (22 not out) steadied the chase, taking Zimbabwe to 142/4 before stumps. Disciplined efforts by the Afghanistan bowlers were not enough to secure a breakthrough as Zimbabwe comfortably won the final session. The match ended in a hard-fought draw, with both teams taking valuable positives from a game that showcased their depth and resilience.
COMPETITION DRAW! 🚨
The first test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan has been announced. 👍#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/JLd5QKuzWe
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 30, 2024
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2024-12-30 16:06:00
