ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st Test – Result

Match drawn.

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st Test – Match Details

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st Test – Squad List

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ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st Test – Thrilling Bulawayo Test Ends in High-Scoring Draw Between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe

In a thrilling finish at Bulawayo the Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe ended in a high scoring draw with both teams enjoying some memorable moments. Afghanistan set a huge target scoring a record 699 runs led by Hashmatullah Shahidi’s brilliant 246 and Rahmat’s powerful 234. On the bowling side Brian Bennett shone taking five wickets including the important wicket of Shahidi. Zimbabwe fought hard in their second innings but a sudden collapse left them 25 runs behind. Thankfully Sean Williams with 35 not out and Craig Ervine with 54 not out steadied the innings and made sure the match ended in a draw. Despite Afghanistan pushing hard at the end the series remains level at nil nil.

A Rare Occurrence: Both Teams Posting Their Highest Total In The Same Men’s Test

Hashmatullah Shahidi Sets Afghanistan Test Record with Historic Marathon Partnership

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s score against Zimbabwe is now the highest individual score for Afghanistan in Tests beating Rahmat’s earlier 234 in the same match. His innings had 21 fours and no sixes showing his great focus on control and building the innings with beautiful cover drives. The two of them batted together through a whole day’s play this is a very rare feat in Test cricket almost 100 years since it last happened. The last time was when English legends Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe did it against West Indies back in January 1926.

Brian Bennett’s Incredible 5-Wicket Haul and Century

Took 5 wickets for 95 in 28 overs and that too at just 21 years of age! He is like some comic book superhero only not even feeling real. He trapped Shahidi leg before wicket and put a full stop to Afghanistan’s marathon batting. After that the collapse started like dominoes falling one after another. We are so happy to see Brian Bennett become the youngest to score a century and take a five wicket haul in a men’s Test match. His bowling completely broke Afghanistan’s momentum and shifted the whole match back in Zimbabwe’s favour. What a player!

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st Test – Brian Bennett’s Bowling Sparks Lower-Order Collapse

After Brian Bennett dismissed Hashmatullah Shahidi, the lower order batters like Omarzai Ghazanfar Zadran and Zahir Khan just lost the plot. Some were too aggressive some were not settled at the crease and some were simply fooled by Bennett’s smart variations and tight line. Clearly they lost their determination. After watching Shahidi batting like a machine for so many hours it looked like the tailenders felt more like spectators than actual players. Yaar losing 5 wickets for just 20 runs is just madness. Because of that collapse they missed a golden chance to take the lead and completely dominate the match.

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st Test – Big Innings But Both Teams Need to Be More Proactive for Next Clash

This Test showed both teams can build massive innings, but need to learn how to finish matches. Tactically both sides played a bit too safe and reacted to situations instead of taking charge. Afghanistan kept batting slowly even after they crossed 600 instead of declaring early. On the other hand Zimbabwe didn’t break the Shahidi and Rahmat partnership early by trying something new. For the next match I believe both sides will play with more intent from the word go. Brace yourselves, folks! The stage is set for another cracker of a contest.

ZIM vs AFG 2024 1st Test – Venue History&Analysis: Queen’s Sports Club

Stadium Capacity: Around 13,000 spectators.

Stadium Address: A5, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.

About the Stadium: 

Before colonisation, the Ndebele Kingdom controlled the Bulawayo region. The land was part of Matabeleland, and was used for communal, spiritual, agricultural, or royal purposes. The Queen’s Sports Club was established in 1890, shortly after the British South Africa Company took control of the area. In 1994, the first Test match at Queen’s Sports Club was played between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka. What made this Test truly extraordinary was Dave Houghton’s historic knock of 266. It was Zimbabwe’s first Test double century, a remarkable achievement that proved the young Test nation (which had gained status only in 1992) could produce world-class performances.

Dave Houghton’s historic double century was rare achievement in Test cricket. Moreover, he followed it up with another century in the very next Test, making it two consecutive hundreds, which is a remarkable feat indeed. There are also other instances of consecutive Test centuries by Zimbabwean batters that deserve a mention. Andy Flower, widely regarded as one of Zimbabwe’s finest Test cricketers, also scored centuries in two successive innings in September 2001. Similarly, Brendan Taylor recorded back to back Test centuries in April 2013. These displays of consistency highlight periods of peak form in Zimbabwe’s Test cricket history.

All Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe Match:

• T20I Series Zimbabwe v.s. Afghanistan 12/9 p.m. 04:30 IST
• T20I Series Zimbabwe v.s. Afghanistan 12/11 p.m. 04:30 IST
• T20I Series Zimbabwe v.s. Afghanistan 12/12 p.m. 04:30 IST
• ODI Series Zimbabwe v.s. Afghanistan 12/15 p.m. 01:00 IST
• ODI Series Zimbabwe v.s. Afghanistan 12/17 p.m. 01:00 IST
• ODI Series Zimbabwe v.s. Afghanistan 12/19 p.m. 01:00 IST