Boxing Day test in between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan and Bulawayo he finished with a big goalboth teams are showing their batting skills. Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 in the first innings, led by the star's centuries Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett. Afghanistan responded with a monumental 699, courtesy of two years from Hashmatullah Shahidi and a better knock Rahmat Shah. With less time on the final day, Zimbabwe reached 142/4 in their second innings, ensuring a tight end to the game.
Zimbabwe have had the most first innings
Zimbabwe's first innings was a masterpiece of calm and technical play. Williams led the way and managed 154 off 174 balls, supported by Ervine's patient 104. The pair's partnership of 200 laid the foundation for Zimbabwe's 586. Bennett added a quick 110 not out, accelerating the scoring in the latter stages. Afghanistan bowlers, led by Allah Ghazanfar with three wickets, they struggled to find the Zimbabwean batsmen. Naveed Zadran and zahir khan they entered with two wickets each but did not stop the players from getting more. By the end of the match on Day 1, Zimbabwe had already shown their intent. The second day saw Afghanistan start to respond cautiously, reaching 95/2 at stumps, with Rahmat and Shahidi starting to form a dangerous partnership.
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The top rulers of Afghanistan are: Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi
Afghanistan's solution was based on an earlier agreement between Rahmat and Shahidi. Rahmat's marathon knock of 234 and Shahidi's brilliant 246 was the backbone of Afghanistan's total of 699. Their third wicket stand of 364 has left the Zimbabwean bowlers frustrated. Afsar Zazai he contributed a vital 113, adding depth to the innings. Despite their strong efforts, Zimbabwe's bowlers, led by five wicket-taker Bennett, could not prevent Afghanistan from taking the lead. By the fourth day, Afghanistan had established their dominance, but with no time left to achieve results, the game looked set to drag on.
Zimbabwe wants to force them to come
The second Zimbabwe started cautiously and aggressively as they looked to wipe out Afghanistan's narrow lead. Joylord Gumbie (24) is Ben Curran (41) gave a steady start, but quick wickets from zahir khan and Ghazanfar threatened to disrupt their innings. However, Williams (35 not out) and Ervine (22 not out) set up the chase, guiding Zimbabwe to 142/4 before the break. The self-control of Afghanistan's bowlers was not enough to give Zimbabwe a comfortable victory in the final innings. The match ended in confidence, with both teams taking positives from a game that showed their depth and resilience.