Zimbabwe Tie High-Scoring Test on Rainy Day

While Boxing Day cricket fans had their eyes on Melbourne and Centurion, a less-heralded Test in Bulawayo between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan delivered its moments of drama. Despite lacking the appeal of the marquee games, the Test offered individual brilliance, brief suspense, and a reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature. For those looking to add another layer of excitement to the sport, exploring options like opening a Betpro account could be something to consider.

A Test of Contrasts: From Thrills to a Draw

On the final evening, Zimbabwe faced a dramatic collapse, losing four wickets for just 15 runs in their second innings. With a deficit of 25 runs against Afghanistan, who had secured a first-innings lead of 113 runs, the possibility of an exciting finish seemed within reach.

However, Zimbabwe’s experienced duo, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine, thwarted Afghanistan’s hopes. They erased the deficit and stabilized the innings, ensuring no further damage. The match ended in a draw, locking the two-match series at 0-0.

Records and Resilience: Afghanistan’s Mammoth Total

Afghanistan set the stage with a monumental first-innings total of 699, their highest in Test cricket. Hashmatullah Shahidi scored a career-best 246, supported by Afsar Zazai’s maiden Test century.

However, their innings ended in a flurry as they lost six wickets for 20 runs while chasing quick runs. On an otherwise lifeless pitch, Zimbabwe’s spinners found some purchase. Brian Bennett, who scored an unbeaten 110 earlier, shone with the ball, taking five wickets.

Bennett’s Magic and Hat-Trick Drama

Brian Bennett’s all-round performance lit up the game. His five-wicket haul included two near hat-trick opportunities. First, he trapped Shahidi lbw with a clever delivery and followed it up by dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai. However, Shahidullah safely defended the hat-trick ball.

In his next attempt, Bennett quickly dismissed AM Ghazanfar and Naveed Zadran, only to be denied the hat-trick again as Zahir Khan safely blocked the decisive ball. Despite the near-misses, Bennett’s efforts helped wrap up Afghanistan’s innings.

Zimbabwe’s Response: A Mixed Start

Zimbabwe’s second innings began with a glimmer of hope. Ben Curran led an aggressive counterattack, smashing 32 runs in the first five overs. His strokes against Afghanistan’s spinner, AM Ghazanfar, set the tone, but Afghanistan’s bowlers tightened their grip.

Despite a strong start, Zimbabwe suffered a setback when Joylord Gumbie edged a turning delivery from Zahir Khan to slip. Shortly after, rain interrupted play, pausing the momentum.

Rain Break and a Dramatic Run Out

The rain delay lasted 40 minutes, and Afghanistan capitalized immediately after the resumption. Ben Curran was run out for 41 due to a mix-up with partner Takudzwanashe Kaitano, handing Afghanistan a crucial breakthrough.

Kaitano fell shortly after, missing a paddle sweep against Zahir Khan’s full-length delivery. Zimbabwe’s collapse continued when Dion Myers was bowled by a beautiful delivery from Ghazanfar, which turned sharply to uproot the off stump.

Williams and Ervine Save the Day

At 88 for four and still trailing Afghanistan, Zimbabwe looked vulnerable. However, Sean Williams and Craig Ervine stepped up, adding a quick 54-run partnership in under ten overs. Their efforts took Zimbabwe past Afghanistan’s total and ensured the game ended in a draw.

Ervine’s exquisite cover drive for four in the 30th over symbolized their recovery as the duo navigated the challenges posed by Afghanistan’s spinners with skill and composure.

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Conclusion: A Draw with Highlights

Although the Test ended in a draw, it provided several highlights, from Shahidi’s double century to Bennett’s all-round heroics. The Bulawayo pitch, initially lifeless, offered a late turn, giving the spinners a chance to shine.

The series remained locked at 0-0, but the game showcased the potential and resilience of both sides, proving that even less-hyped contests can deliver memorable moments in Test cricket.