First test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe produces over 1,500 runs but ends in a flat draw
File Photo: Craig Ervine during the first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. | Photo Credit: AFP
File Photo: Craig Ervine during the first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. | Photo Credit: AFP
A run-fest in Sharjah ended in a tame draw on Monday, with Zimbabwe opting against a declaration on a docile surface in the first Test against Afghanistan. The match produced more than 1,500 runs, including six hundreds and a double hundred.
On the final day, veteran Craig Ervine and allrounder Wessly Madhevere put together an unbroken 208-run partnership, and both reached personal landmarks along the way.
The 41-year-old Ervine remained 206 not out for his maiden Test double hundred. Off-spinner Madhevere made 100 not out, his first Test century with the bat, as Zimbabwe finished its second innings on 523 for 5.
No. 3 Brendan Taylor contributed 82 to that total. He had made 131 in the first innings, sharing a big stand with captain Brian Bennett (128), as Zimbabwe posted 504 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan matched it with 514. Opener Sediqullah Atal (105), No. 3 Rahmanullah (113) and captain Rahmat Shah, who made 173 at No. 4, all scored hundreds.
Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman added 92 for the eighth wicket, a national record for Afghanistan, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled in the heat.
The second and final Test begins on Friday, also in Sharjah.
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