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The Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe i Afghanistan and Bulawayo concluded with a great drawwith both teams showing their batting prowess. Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 in the first innings, led by stellar centuries from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine i Brian Bennett. Afghanistan responded with a monumental 699, courtesy of a double century from Hashmatullah Shahidi and a brilliant blow Rahmat Shah. With little time left on the final day, Zimbabwe reached 142/4 in their second innings, ensuring the match ended in a stalemate.
Zimbabwe set the tone with a 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 Ervine’s patient 104. The duo’s 200-run partnership laid the foundation for Zimbabwe’s imposing total of 586. Bennett added a quick 110 not out, speeding up the score in the latter stages. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, he struggled to contain the Zimbabwean batsmen. Naveed Zadran i zahir khan chipped in with two wickets each but could not prevent the hosts from amassing a substantial total. By the close of play on Day 1, Zimbabwe had already made their intent known. The second day saw Afghanistan start their reply cautiously, reaching 95/2 at stumps, with Rahmat and Shahidi beginning to build a formidable partnership.
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Afghanistan’s top order 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 246 were the mainstays of Afghanistan’s 699 total. Their partnership of 364 for the third wicket left the Zimbabwean bowlers frustrated. Afsar Zazai he 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 their dominance, but with no time to enforce a result, the match looked destined for a draw.
Zimbabwe hold firm to force a draw
Zimbabwe’s second innings began with a mixture of caution and aggression as they aimed to erase Afghanistan’s slender lead. Joylord Gumbie (24) i Ben Curran (41) provided a steady start, but it quickly settles zahir khan and Ghazanfar threatened to derail their entries. However, Williams (35 not out) and Ervine (22 not out) steadied the chase, steering Zimbabwe to 142/4 before stumps. Disciplined efforts by the Afghan bowlers were not enough to secure a breakthrough as Zimbabwe batted successfully in the final session. The game ended in a hard-fought draw, with both teams taking valuable positives from a game that highlighted their batting depth and resilience.
