AFG vs ZIM: Record-setting Test ends in a draw

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and Zimbabwe rookie Brian Bennett were the standout performers as the first Test ended in a draw after rain shortened the final day at Queens Sports Club on Monday.

Shahidi set a new Afghan record with a remarkable 246 runs, while Zimbabwe’s Bennett remained unbeaten on 110 and claimed five wickets in the match.

Zimbabwe posted a total of 586 runs in the first innings and were 142-4 in their second innings, leading Afghanistan by 29 runs at the close of play. Afghanistan had earlier scored 699 runs in their first innings. Both teams set national records for their respective first innings totals.

Zimbabwe, struggling at 88-4 in their second innings and 25 runs behind Afghanistan, saw a steadying partnership from experienced players Sean Williams (35) and Craig Ervine (22), who remained unbeaten.

Shahidi's marathon innings ended when he was trapped leg before by Bennett, who finished with figures of 5-95, the best among Zimbabwe’s six bowlers.

The 30-year-old left-handed batter faced 474 balls over 694 minutes, hitting 21 fours during his stay at the crease. His partnerships with Rahmat Shah (364 runs) and Afsar Zazai (211 runs) helped Afghanistan take a 113-run lead in the first innings.

Shahidi’s previous highest Test score was 200 not out, also against Zimbabwe, in Abu Dhabi three years ago.

Before Shahidi’s dismissal, wicketkeeper Zazai scored a maiden Test century, making 113 runs before being caught at backward point by substitute Johnathan Campbell.

Shahidi’s departure sparked a collapse as Afghanistan lost their last six wickets for just 20 runs in four overs, with Bennett’s off-spin causing havoc.

Bennett, a 21-year-old making only his second Test appearance, took two sets of consecutive wickets but was denied a hat-trick on both occasions. He also impressed with the bat, making an unbeaten 110 in Zimbabwe’s first innings after his captain, Ervine, won the toss.

In their second innings, Zimbabwe added 73 runs before Joylord Gumbie (24) was caught by Shahidi at slip off a delivery from Zahir Khan. This wicket was followed by a one-hour rain delay in the afternoon.

Test debutant Ben Curran, son of late Zimbabwe coach Kevin Curran and brother to England internationals Tom and Sam, made 41 before being run out. Gumbie, Curran, and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (5) fell in quick succession, with two wickets from Zahir Khan and a bowled dismissal of Dion Myers (4) by  teen spinner AM Ghazanfar.

The second Test of the two-match series will take place at the same venue from January 2 to 6.