Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and Bulawayo it ended in a high-scoring drawwith both teams displaying their batting prowess. Zimbabwe posted a total of 586 in the first innings, led by big 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 great beat over 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 innings total
The first innings in Zimbabwe was a master class in spirit and strategic play. Williams led the charge with 154 off 174 balls, supported by Ervine's patient 104. The duo's 200-run partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe's total of 586. Afghanistan bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, struggling to contain Zimbabwe's batsmen. Naveed Zadran and zahir khan chipped in with two wickets each but could not prevent the hosts from amassing a huge total. By the end of play on Day 1, Zimbabwe had already shown their intent. On the second day, Afghanistan began their reply cautiously, reaching 95/2 at stumps, with Rahmat and Shahidi beginning to build a strong partnership.
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Afghanistan's top order is in control: Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan's response was anchored by a historic partnership between Rahmat and Shahidi. Rahmat's marathon knock of 234 and Shahidi's excellent 246 were the cornerstones of Afghanistan's total of 699. Afsar Zazai he added a vital 113, adding depth to the innings. Despite strong efforts, Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by Bennett's five-wicket haul, could not prevent Afghanistan from taking the lead. By the fourth day, Afghanistan had firmly established their dominance, but with no time left to implement a result, the match looked destined for a draw.
Highest individual score for Afghanistan in test cricket 🏏
246: Hashmatullah Shahidi vs Zimbabwe, 2024
234: Rahmat Shah vs Zimbabwe, 2024#cricket #ZIMvAFG #HashmatullahShahidi #RahmatShah pic.twitter.com/CkIZoe19z0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024
Zimbabwe are keen to force a draw
Zimbabwe's second innings began with a mixture of caution and aggression as they aimed to erase Afghanistan's slim lead. Joylord Gumbie (24) and Curran Mountain (41) Steady start, but quick wickets from zahir khan and Ghazanfar threatened to cancel the hotel. However, Williams (35 not out) and Ervine (22 not out) settled the chase, guiding Zimbabwe to 142/4 before stumps. The disciplined efforts of Afghanistan's bowlers were not enough to secure progress as Zimbabwe managed to defeat them in the final session. The game ended in a hard fought draw, with both teams getting valuable possessions from a game that highlighted the depth and resilience of their batting.
DRAW MATCH! 🚨
The first test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan has been drawn. 👍#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/JLd5QKuzWe
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 30, 2024
