Craig Ervine, Antum Naqvi in frame vs Afghanistan | PC- X/@ZimCricketv
Zimbabwe bagged a famous draw at Sharjah against Afghanistan on Monday morning, thanks to a special double century by Craig Ervine on the fifth day.
Ervine not only smashed an unbeaten double ton but also became the second-oldest batter in Test history to score a 200.
Zimbabwe became 1st team in Test history to slam two 500 in one outing
Courtesy of Zimbabwe's fantastic batting show, they became the first team in Test history to rack up 500 runs or more in both innings. The Chevrons became the first team in 149 years to do so.
The aggregate total for the Chevrons in the Test match was 1027 runs, the fourth-highest for any team in a Test match.
Earlier this year, Bihar also slammed 500 runs or more across innings, becoming the eighth team to achieve the feat in First-Class cricket during a Ranji game against Manipur. Zimbabwe are the only team to do so in Test cricket, and the ninth overall to do so at FC level.
Notably, since playing their first Test match in October 1992, they have only amassed over 500 runs in an innings eight times, including twice in a single match against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
How did AFG vs ZIM 1st Test fare at Sharjah?
For the visitors, Brendan Taylor and skipper Brian Bennett set up the game in the first innings, with their respective centuries. Zimbabwe posted a massive total of 504 runs after batting for over 134 overs.
In reply, Afghanistan also went past the 500-run mark but were bowled out in 169.4 overs, thanks to Newman Nyamhuri's five-fer. Rahmat Shah (173) was the highest score of the innings, while Zarma Khan and Sediqullah Atal also scored impressive tons.
Later, in Zimbabwe's second innings, which turned out to be the final innings of the game, Craig Ervine (41) smashed his highest Test score, featuring 23 fours and two biggies in his 279-ball marathon. Wessly Madhevere also smashed an unbeaten century.
After a drawn affair at Sharjah, the two teams will meet again for the final match of this tour at the same venue for the second Test on November 13.
