After winning the toss and electing to bat first, centuries by Sean Williams (154), skipper Craig Ervine (104), and Brian Bennett (110 not out) took Zimbabwe to their highest-ever total of 586 in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The bowlers did not have much to offer in what was a game dominated purely by the batters. Afghanistan\u2019s AM Ghazanfar was the leading wicket-taker in the first innings with three to his name, combined with two wickets each by Naveed Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Zahir Khan, which saw Zimbabwe post a big total, which they perhaps thought was enough to register a victory.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, Rahmat Shah etched his name into record books with a brilliant knock of 234, coupled with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi\u2019s 246 as the duo registered the two highest scores in Afghanistan's brief history in the longest format. The duo stitched a partnership of 364, the nation's highest partnership in the format, and alongside Afsar Zazai\u2019s valiant 113-run registered the nation's highest-ever score of 699 to mount a solid 113-run lead. Bennett became the youngest to score a century and take a five-wicket haul in a men's Test match with figures of 5-95.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With rain disrupting play on Day 4 and 5, a draw seemed certain but a dramatic collapse by the Zimbabwe top order saw the game turn on its head. The hosts were comfortably on their way to a draw, with a 73-run opening stand between Joylord Gumbie and Ben Curran but were reduced to 88-4 in a span of five overs. Skipper Williams and Ervine once again came to the side\u2019s rescue and solidified the draw with an unbeaten 54-run stand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think he (Rahmat Shah) was fantastic. He did really well. He had some good shots. A good partnership between me and him. That's what should we do. And the team requirement is also the same as ours. Because, as a senior, you have to take responsibility. I think I give credit to Rahmat Shah. The way he played. He is the best on our team and hopefully, he will carry on the same way and do his best for the country in the future as well,\u201d said the player of the match Hashmatullah Shahidi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Brief score:<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think he (Rahmat Shah) was fantastic. He did really well. He had some good shots. A good partnership between me and him. That's what should we do. And the team requirement is also the same as ours. Because, as a senior, you have to take responsibility. I think I give credit to Rahmat Shah. The way he played. He is the best on our team and hopefully, he will carry on the same way and do his best for the country in the future as well,\u201d said the player of the match Hashmatullah Shahidi.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Highest tax paying cricketers<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n