Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan | Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe, 2024/25 | 1st Test

That’s it from this Test then! We dearly hope we have an even contest between bat and ball in the second Test which begins on the 2nd of January (0800 GMT). The build up though begins a lot earlier. Until then, goodbye and take care!

Craig Ervine says the openers gave them a good start! Adds Curran set the platform with the way he played. Adds they needed to be patient and pick the deliveries to score on. Adds Muzarabani was really good, mentions the bowlers controlled the game really well and credit to them for not letting them get ahead. Ends by saying they’ll see where to improve, they have a few days of rest and they’re looking forward for the next game.

Hashmatullah Shahidi wins the PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARD! He says it means a lot to do such a special thing for his country. Tells the players give their 100%! He and Rahmat Shah played well. Shares he was looking for a result on the last day but the rain came in and changed things. Mentions the pitch was flat and the ball was coming nicely, his bowlers weren't consistent but they did well today. Ends by appreciating the knock from Rahmat Shah.

...Presentation...

Afghanistan had around 34 overs to have a go and try and force a result. They did manage to get a few wickets but Zimbabwe ensured there were no surprises and managed to bag a draw. Zahir Khan was up for the task but the draw was inevitable eventually. If it hadn't rain on Day 4we could have see a result in this match.

In reply, the Afghanistan openers did not do a lot but their number 3,4 and 5 batted brilliantly. Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi put up a record breaking stand of over 350 with both scoring double tons. Afsar Zazai too made most of the conditions and scored a ton. Courtesy of the three, Afghanistan took a lead of over 100. If Afghanistan bowlers toiled hard earlier, it was the hosts bowlers turn to do the same job for the next couple of days.

A game dominated by the batters right from Day 1. It was Zimbabwe first who made most of the conditions by posting close to 600. They had three centurions, Sean Williams, Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett. Sean Williams took the headlines as he notched 150 and set the tone for the  humongous total.

The umpires called for drinks but have reversed their decision, to be honest, there is not much left to play! The captains have agreed to end the match. IT ENDS IN DRAW! Finally, the bowlers had a say in this Test! Maybe, just maybe, if we could have got more action on Day 4, Afghanistan could have forced a result. Nevertheless, the game ends in a draw.