The first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, ended in a dull draw on Monday, December 30. Only one wicket fell on the third and fourth days of the Test match as batters ruled the roost. However, Day 5 produced a much more even contest between bat and ball as 11 wickets fell.
Afghanistan started the day at 515/3 with Hashmatullah Shahidi and Afsar Zazai batting on 179 and 46, respectively. The latter brought up his maiden half-century in the third over on Day 5. Zazai batted fluently after reaching his half-century, hitting boundaries at regular intervals. Meanwhile, Shahidi continued with a conservative approach and brought up his second double-century in Tests with a single off Brandon Mavuta.
Zazai went from strength to strength and registered his century with an audacious six off Mavuta over deep mid-wicket. Sean Williams finally ended the wicketkeeper-batter’s stay at the crease after he had scored 113 off 169 balls. After the Lunch break, it was time for Brian Bennett to show his mettle with the ball. The youngster bagged a five-for in no time and this included the massive scalp of Shahidi, who departed for 246 off 474 balls.
From 679/4, the Blue Tigers were bowled out for 699 in the second session after taking a first innings lead of 113 runs.
Zimbabwe finally had their second turn to bat in the Test match. Joylord Gumbie (24) and Ben Curran (41) put on a 73-run stand for the first wicket. The latter scored some gorgeous boundaries, continuing from where he had left in the first innings. However, they were dismissed in consecutive overs. Takudzwanashe Kaitano and Dion Myers also departed in quick succession as there were a few nervy moments for the hosts.
However, Williams and Craig Ervine steadied the ship before the two captains decided to shake hands and bring an end to the game.
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