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The Boxing Day test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and Bulawayo ended in a scoring drawwith both teams showing their batting prowess. Zimbabwe posted a formidable first innings total of 586, 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 stroke 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 sets the tone with mammoth first innings total
Zimbabwe’s first innings was a masterclass in composure and strategic play. Williams led the charge with 154 off 174 balls, supported by Ervine’s patient 104. The duo’s 200-run partnership set the stage for Zimbabwe’s impressive total of 586. Bennett added a quick 110 not out, accelerating the scoring in the closing stages. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, he struggled to contain the Zimbabwe batsmen. Naveed Zadran and zahir khan contributed two wickets each but could not prevent the hosts from amassing a substantial total. By the end of day 1, Zimbabwe had already expressed its intention. On the second day, Afghanistan began their response cautiously, reaching 95/2, with Rahmat and Shahidi beginning to build a formidable partnership.
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Dominate Afghanistan’s top order: Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan’s response was based on a historic partnership between Rahmat and Shahidi. Rahmat’s marathon knock of 234 and Shahidi’s masterful 246 were the cornerstones of Afghanistan’s total of 699. Their partnership of 364 for the third wicket left the Zimbabwe players frustrated. Afsar Zazai contributed a crucial 113, adding depth to the innings. Despite valiant 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 its dominance, but with no time to impose a result, the match seemed 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 hold firm to force a draw
Zimbabwe’s second innings began with a mix of caution and aggression as they looked to erase Afghanistan’s slim lead. Joy Lord Gumbie (24) and Ben Curran (41) provided a steady start but quick wickets from zahir khan and Ghazanfar threatened to derail their innings. However, Williams (35 not out) and Ervine (22 not out) stabilized the chase, taking Zimbabwe to 142/4 before stumps. The disciplined efforts of Afghanistan’s bowlers were not enough to secure a breakthrough as Zimbabwe successfully made it through the final session. The match ended in a close draw, with both teams taking valuable positives from a game that highlighted their batting depth and stamina.
TIE 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
