Cricket Highlights, Dec 26-30: Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe (1st Test) – Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan

Zim vs AFG (1st Test) – Highlights

In this article, we will discuss the thrilling Test match between ZIM and AFG that took place in Bulawayo from December 26 to 30, 2024, during Afghanistan’s tour of Zimbabwe. The match ended in a draw after a remarkable display of batting and resilience from both teams. Zimbabwe, after posting a massive 586 in their first innings, found Afghanistan answering back strongly with an impressive 699, setting up a fascinating contest. 

In the first innings of Zimbabwe’s match against Afghanistan in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe posted a strong total of 586, with notable contributions from several key players. The innings was anchored by Sean Williams, who played a magnificent knock of 154 off 174 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes, demonstrating his skill and patience. 

He was well supported by Craig Ervine, who contributed 104 off 176 balls, and Brian Bennett, who remained not out at 110 from 124 balls. The middle-order also chipped in, with Ben Curran making a quick 68 off 74 balls, and Takudzwanashe Kaitano adding 46 off 115 balls. However, the Zimbabwean top order was not without its challenges, as early wickets fell, including Joylord Gumbie (9) and Dion Myers (27), both dismissed by Afghan bowlers Naveed Zadran and Ghazanfar.

The Afghan bowlers were busy, with Naveed Zadran taking two wickets, while Ghazanfar claimed three wickets, including the crucial scalp of Williams. Zahir Khan was also among the wickets, picking up two in the first innings. Despite the Afghan bowlers’ efforts, Zimbabwe built a commanding total, thanks to their consistent partnerships and resilience, with only the tail end of the innings crumbling a bit.

Afghanistan’s response was equally impressive. Rahmat Shah played a monumental innings, scoring 234 off 424 balls, holding the innings together with a patient and determined approach. He was well supported by Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored 246 from 474 balls, providing a solid foundation. Their partnership of 428 runs for the third wicket was the highlight of Afghanistan’s innings, and they took the game into a dominant position for Afghanistan. 

Afsar Zazai also made a useful contribution, scoring 113 from 169 balls, while other lower-order batsmen like Shahidullah and Zia-ur-Rehman made small but vital contributions. However, the Afghan batting was not without its collapses, as they lost wickets at crucial intervals, including Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, both falling in the late stages of the innings.

ZIN bowlers, led by Brian Bennett with a superb five-wicket haul, were excellent in restricting Afghanistan’s lower order. He was supported by Blessing Muzarabani, who was economical throughout, and Sean Williams, who took two wickets in the first innings. 

AFG innings ended at 699, with their tail quickly folding. Zimbabwe’s second innings then got off to a tough start, with the loss of several early wickets, including Joylord Gumbie and Ben Curran, both dismissed by Zahir Khan. Despite a solid partnership between Williams (35*) and Ervine (22*), Zimbabwe was unable to reach a challenging total, and the match ended in a draw.

The match was a fascinating contest with excellent individual performances, including Bennett’s brilliant bowling and the long partnerships in Afghanistan’s batting. Ultimately, both teams showcased impressive determination, and with time running out, the match ended in a draw, leaving both sides content with their efforts.

Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Scoreboard

Zimbabwe– 586 & 142/4

Afghanistan– 699

Result – Match drawn

Player of the Match – Hashmatullah Shahidi

ZIM vs AFG Playing XI

Zimbabwe

Joylord Gumbie(WK), Ben Curran, Takudzwanashe Kaitano, Sean Williams, Dion Myers, Craig Ervine(C), Brian Bennett, Brandon Mavuta, Newman Nyamhuri, Blessing Muzarabani, Trevor Gwandu

Afghanistan

Sediqullah Atal, Abdul Malik, Rahmat Shah, Hashmatullah Shahidi(C), Afsar Zazai, Shahidullah, Azmatullah Omarzai(WK), Zia-ur-Rehman, AM Ghazanfar, Naveed Zadran, Zahir Khan

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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