The Boxing Day Check between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Bulawayo concluded in a high-scoring draw, with each groups showcasing their batting prowess. Zimbabwe posted a formidable whole of 586 within 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 superb knock by Rahmat Shah. With little time left on the ultimate day, Zimbabwe reached 142/4 of their second innings, making certain the sport led to a stalemate.
Zimbabwe units the tone with a mammoth first innings whole
Zimbabwe’s first innings was a masterclass in composure and strategic play. Williams led the cost with a commanding 154 off 174 balls, supported by Ervine’s affected person 104. The duo’s 200-run partnership laid the inspiration for Zimbabwe’s imposing whole of 586. Bennett added a quickfire 110 not out, accelerating the scoring within the latter levels. Afghanistan’s bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, struggled to include Zimbabwe’s batters. Naveed Zadran and Zahir Khan chipped in with two wickets every however couldn’t forestall the hosts from amassing a considerable whole. By the shut of play on Day 1, Zimbabwe had already signaled their intent. Second day noticed Afghanistan start their response cautiously, reaching 95/2 by stumps, with Rahmat and Shahidi beginning to construct a formidable partnership.
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Afghanistan’s prime 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 had been the cornerstones of Afghanistan’s whole of 699. Their partnership of 364 for the third wicket left Zimbabwe’s bowlers annoyed. Afsar Zazai contributed an important 113, including depth to the innings. Regardless of valiant efforts, Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Bennett’s five-wicket haul, couldn’t forestall Afghanistan from taking the lead. By the fourth day, Afghanistan had firmly established their dominance, however with no time left to implement a consequence, the match appeared destined for a draw.
Highest particular person rating for Afghanistan in Check cricket 🏏
246: Hashmatullah Shahidi vs Zimbabwe, 2024
234: Rahmat Shah vs Zimbabwe, 2024#cricket #ZIMvAFG #HashmatullahShahidi #RahmatShah pic.twitter.com/CkIZoe19z0
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024
Zimbabwe holds agency to pressure a draw
Zimbabwe’s second innings began with a mixture of warning and aggression as they aimed to erase Afghanistan’s slender lead. Joylord Gumbie (24) and Ben Curran (41) offered a gradual begin, however fast wickets from Zahir Khan and Ghazanfar threatened to derail their innings. Nonetheless, Williams (35 not out) and Ervine (22 not out) stabilized the chase, steering Zimbabwe to 142/4 earlier than stumps. The disciplined efforts of Afghanistan’s bowlers weren’t sufficient to safe a breakthrough as Zimbabwe efficiently batted out the ultimate session. The match led to a hard-fought draw, with each groups taking priceless positives from a recreation that highlighted their batting depth and resilience.
MATCH DRAWN! 🚨
The primary take a look at match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan has been drawn. 👍#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/JLd5QKuzWe
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 30, 2024
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