Bulawayo’s Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan ends in a run fest draw

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The Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Bulawayo concluded in a high-scoring draw, with both teams showcasing their batting prowess. Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 in the first innings, 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 knock by 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 a mammoth first innings total

Zimbabwe’s first innings was a masterclass in composure and strategic play. Williams led the charge with a commanding 154 off 174 balls, supported by Ervine’s patient 104. The duo’s 200-run partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s imposing total of 586. Bennett added a quickfire 110 not out, accelerating the scoring in the latter stages. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, struggled to contain Zimbabwe’s batters. Naveed Zadran and Zahir Khan chipped in with two wickets each but couldn’t prevent the hosts from amassing a substantial total. By the close of play on Day 1, Zimbabwe had already signaled their intent. Second day saw Afghanistan begin their response cautiously, reaching 95/2 by stumps, with Rahmat and Shahidi starting to build a formidable partnership.

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Afghanistan’s top order dominates: Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi

Afghanistan’s reply was anchored by 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 Zimbabwe’s bowlers 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, couldn’t prevent Afghanistan from taking the lead. By the fourth day, Afghanistan had firmly established their dominance, but with no time left to enforce a result, the match seemed destined for a draw.

Zimbabwe holds firm to force a draw

Zimbabwe’s second innings started with a mix of caution and aggression as they aimed to erase Afghanistan’s slender lead. Joylord 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, steering Zimbabwe to 142/4 before stumps. The disciplined efforts of Afghanistan’s bowlers weren’t enough to secure a breakthrough as Zimbabwe successfully batted out the final session. The match ended in a hard-fought draw, with both teams taking valuable positives from a game that highlighted their batting depth and resilience.

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