One-Off Test
Day-5 Highlights:
Zimbabwe has successfully defend to deny Afghanistan a win and secure a hard-earned draw
Zimbabwe scored 586 (1st Innings) & 142/4 (2nd Innings), where as Afghanistan scored 699 (1st Innings).
So, finally the Match is Drawn.
Afghanistan’s late charge for an unlikely win was thwarted by Zimbabwe, as the teams ultimately settled for a draw in the opening Test in Bulawayo.
What seemed like a certain draw, with both teams posting massive first-innings totals, suddenly sparked interest towards the end, as Afghanistan picked up a few quick wickets.
However, the experienced duo of Sean Williams and Craig Ervine batted resolutely to ensure the match ended in a stalemate.
On the fifth day, it was only a matter of time before Afghanistan claimed the first-innings lead.
Hashmatullah Shahidi and Afsar Zazai continued to score heavily, with Shahidi bringing up his second double century in Test cricket.
Zazai then became the third Afghanistan player to reach three figures, as Zimbabwe appeared clueless in the field.
Williams finally broke the partnership, but Shahidi carried on before falling four runs short of 250.
Shahidi’s dismissal triggered an incredible collapse, with Afghanistan losing their last five wickets in just four overs.
Brian Bennett played a pivotal role, dismissing Shahidi and Azmatullah Omarzai in consecutive balls, before taking three wickets in an over to bowl Afghanistan out for 699.
Zimbabwe, in reply, started well but Afghanistan’s late collapse gave them a glimmer of hope for a victory push.
Zahir Khan broke the opening stand, leaving Zimbabwe trailing by 40 runs.
After a rain delay, the hosts were left with just 14 overs to survive.
Ben Curran was run out, and Zahir and AM Ghazanfar picked up a wicket each, putting Zimbabwe under pressure.
With just one more wicket needed, the contest was on the verge of being ignited, but Williams and Ervine stood firm, batting out the final overs to secure the draw, with both captains agreeing to the stalemate.
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