Boxing day test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan And Bulawayo It ended in a high-scoring drawas both teams showed their striking prowess. Zimbabwe posted a massive total of 586 in the first innings, led by stellar centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Irvine and Brian Bennett. Afghanistan responded with a massive attack in 699, thanks to two centuries God bless you, my martyr And a great hit Rahma Shah. With little time remaining on the final day, Zimbabwe reached 142/4 in the second innings, ensuring the match ended in a scoreless draw.
Zimbabwe set the tone with huge 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 Irvine's patient 104. The duo's 200-run partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe's total of 586. Bennett added a quickfire 110 not out, accelerating the scoring in the closing stages. Afghanistan bowlers led by God is Ghazanfar With three wickets to spare, he struggled to contain the Zimbabwe attackers. Naveed Zadran and Zahir Khan He chipped in with two wickets each but could not prevent the hosts from amassing a huge total. By the end of the match on day one, Zimbabwe had already signaled their intention. The second day saw Afghanistan begin their response cautiously, reaching 95/2, with Rahmat and Shahidi starting to build a formidable partnership.
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The supreme regime in Afghanistan dominates: 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 knock of 246 were the cornerstones of Afghanistan's total of 699. Their partnership of 364 for the third wicket left Zimbabwe's bowlers frustrated. Afsar Zazai He contributed 113 assists, adding depth to the innings. Despite a valiant effort, Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by Bennett's five wickets, were unable to prevent Afghanistan from taking the initiative. By the fourth day, Afghanistan had firmly established their dominance, but with no time left to impose a result, the match looked destined for a draw.
Highest individual score for Afghanistan in Test cricket 🏏
246: Hashmatullah Shahidi vs Zimbabwe 2024
234: Rahma Shah vs Zimbabwe 2024#cricket #ZIMvAFG #Hashmat Allah is my martyr #Rahma Shah pic.twitter.com/CkIZoe19z0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024
Zimbabwe hold on tight to force a draw
Zimbabwe's second round began with a mixture of caution and aggression as it aimed to erase Afghanistan's slim lead. Joylord Gumby (24) and Ben Curran (41) Provided a steady start, but a quick wicket Zahir Khan Ghazanfar threatened to derail their roles. However, Williams (35 not out) and Irvine (22 not out) stabilized the chase, taking Zimbabwe to 142/4 before stumps. The disciplined efforts of the Afghan bowlers were not enough to achieve a breakthrough as Zimbabwe cruised through the final session. The match ended in a difficult draw, as both teams benefited from valuable positives from the match, which highlighted the depth of their strikes and flexibility.
The match is tied! 🚨
The first Test match was played between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. 👍#Afghanistan.Atalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/JLd5QKuzWe
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 30, 2024
