Afghanistan’s Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a record 246 runs while Brian Bennett took five wickets for Zimbabwe as the first Test ended in a draw after rain intervened on the final day. Afghanistan set a national record total of 699, while Zimbabwe also established significant scores in both innings. Key contributions came from several players, demonstrating the rising competitive nature of both teams.
In a thrilling encounter at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Hashmatullah Shahidi and Brian Bennett gave exceptional performances as the first Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe ended in a draw after rain interrupted play on the final day. Shahidi, a seasoned Afghan cricketer, set a national record by scoring 246 runs, while Bennett, a promising young spinner, contributed significantly with a five-wicket haul, taking 5 for 95. Both teams set national records in their first innings; Afghanistan scoring 699 runs while Zimbabwe posted 586 and 142-4 in their second batting.
Afghanistan took a 113-run lead owing to strong partnerships, highlighted by Shahidi’s monumental innings, which consumed 474 balls over 694 minutes and included 21 boundaries. He was finally dismissed leg before wicket by Bennett, which initiated a collapse in the Afghanistan line-up as they lost their last six wickets for just 20 runs. Wicketkeeper Afsar Zazai also shone brightly, scoring a maiden Test century with 113 runs before his dismissal.
On the Zimbabwean side, Bennett, participating in only his second Test match, not only excelled with the ball but also made an impressive 110 not out in the first innings. His performance was crucial for Zimbabwe as they looked to regain stability in their second innings after a shaky start at 88-4. Veteran players Sean Williams and Craig Ervine formed a vital partnership, ensuring the match concluded without a loss. Overall, this match showcased remarkable individual performances while emphasizing the competitive spirit of both teams in the Test format.
The draw in the first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is significant in several ways. It highlights the growing competitiveness of Afghanistan in international cricket, especially in the Test format. Additionally, it showcases the emergence of new talents such as Brian Bennett alongside seasoned players like Hashmatullah Shahidi. Both teams setting national records for their respective first innings serves as a testament to their batting capabilities and the evolving landscape of cricket, where performances are continuously improving.
In summary, the drawn Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe illustrated remarkable individual achievements and competitive spirit from both teams. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s record-setting innings and Brian Bennett’s dual contributions with bat and ball were pivotal highlights of the encounter. As both teams move forward, the performances displayed in this match could serve as a foundation for future successes and further development in international cricket.
Original Source: sports.ndtv.com
