The primary Take a look at between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo resulted in an exciting draw on Monday, with each groups attaining record-breaking feats.
Zimbabwe’s first innings noticed them amass a colossal 586 runs, surpassing their earlier highest Take a look at rating of 563/9 in opposition to the West Indies in 2001. Afghanistan responded with an much more exceptional 699 all out, establishing their very own file for the best innings whole, beating their earlier better of 545/4, additionally achieved in opposition to Zimbabwe in 2021.
Particular person Brilliance and Milestones
The Afghan innings was highlighted by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi‘s historic 246, a nationwide file, and Rahmat Shah’s 234. Collectively, they solid an enormous 364-run third-wicket partnership, the best in Afghanistan’s Take a look at historical past for any wicket. Shahidi’s 246 eclipsed his earlier better of 200 in opposition to Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi. Wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai additionally contributed a maiden Take a look at century with 113 runs, additional solidifying Afghanistan’s dominance of their first innings.
Zimbabwe’s Brian Bennett, a 21-year-old spinner in solely his second Take a look at, showcased his all-around brilliance. Bennett took a career-best 5/95 in Afghanistan’s innings and earlier contributed an unbeaten 110 with the bat in Zimbabwe’s first innings.
Late Drama and Rain-Shortened Day
Afghanistan’s innings resulted in a collapse, with the final six wickets falling for simply 20 runs in 4 overs, largely because of Bennett’s spin. Of their second innings, Zimbabwe reached 142/4, avoiding additional injury due to an unbroken 54-run partnership between veterans Sean Williams (35) and Craig Ervine (22).
The match’s conclusion was impacted by mid-afternoon rain, which precipitated a delay of over an hour. Zimbabwe confirmed resilience, with debutant Ben Curran impressing with 41 runs earlier than a run-out, and opener Joylord Gumbie contributing 24.
Wanting Forward
The second and last Take a look at of the sequence begins Thursday, additionally in Bulawayo, with each groups keen to construct on the momentum from this high-scoring encounter.
For context, Sri Lanka nonetheless maintain the file for the highest-ever Take a look at innings rating with 952/6 declared in opposition to India in Colombo in 1997.
