Afghanistan and Zimbabwe Settle for a Draw in the First Test.
Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe kicked off with a gripping Test match at Bulawayo from December 26th to 30th, which ended in an enthralling draw. Both sides displayed exceptional batting depth, achieving several milestones during the encounter.
Zimbabwe First Innings
Winning the toss, Zimbabwe chose to bat and started cautiously. Joylord Gumbie and Ben Curran opened the innings, but Gumbie fell early. Takudzwanashe Kaitano joined Curran, offering stability before the middle order took charge. Sean Williams and Craig Ervine were the standout performers, converting their half-centuries into commanding centuries. Both batsmen frustrated Afghanistan’s bowlers with a mix of aggression and patience. Zimbabwe’s innings was capped off by Brian Bennett, whose 110-run knock added vital runs, propelling the hosts to a formidable 586-run total.
Afghanistan First Innings
Afghanistan responded with one of their most memorable batting performances. Openers Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik failed to make an impact, but Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi orchestrated a record-breaking partnership. Shah’s sublime knock of 234 and Shahidi’s majestic 246 left the Zimbabwe bowlers searching for answers. The duo not only steered Afghanistan past Zimbabwe’s total but also put them in a commanding position. Afsar Zazai contributed with a quickfire 113, pushing Afghanistan to a mammoth 699 runs. Despite the barrage, Brian Bennett remained Zimbabwe’s standout bowler, claiming five crucial wickets.
Zimbabwe Second Innings
Trailing by 113 runs, Zimbabwe faced an uphill task in their second innings. Openers Gumbie and Curran started positively but couldn’t convert their starts. Limited time on the final day made any chance of a result improbable. Craig Ervine and Sean Williams attempted to push the score, but the fifth day ended with Zimbabwe at 142/4, leaving the match drawn.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s monumental double century earned him the Player of the Match award. The high-scoring draw set the stage for an exciting second Test as both teams look to secure the series win.
MATCH DRAWN! 🚨
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