Ervine rues missed catches

It might not have been the result either team wanted, but the draw in the Boxing Day Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan was the result that the match deserved.

Both teams put up a master-class batting display as records fell for most of the five-day encounter. 

Amongst the more notable records were both teams scoring Test highs, as Zimbabwe and Afghanistan’s first innings scores of 586 and 699 all-out were the teams’ highest Test totals. 

Afghanistan needed 10 Test matches to post their maiden 600-plus total, the fewest among the ten teams with a 600-plus total in this format. 

The previous fewest was by Pakistan, who made 657 for 8 against West Indies in 1958, their 19th match. 

The 95 overs batted by Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi on the third day is the third most by a pair to have played throughout a day’s play in men’s Test cricket. 

Sean Williams posted his personal best in Tests of 154 runs off 174 balls; captain Craig Ervine scored his fourth Test ton (104 off 176 balls) in a 13-year career, and Brian Bennett struck a dramatic maiden hundred (110 runs off 124 balls), taking Zimbabwe to 586.

However, for Ervine the difference between a draw and victory was slim, with the Zimbabwe Test skipper lamenting over his side’s poor fielding. 

Rahmat Shah (234) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (246) were the biggest beneficiaries of the dropped chances as they handed the visitors a 113-run first-innings lead despite conceding 586. 

Afsar Zazai made 113 as well. 

“The one little area where we will probably look back and think, ‘The outcome could have been different if we had taken our chances in the field,’” Ervine said. 

“I think a lot of credit also has to go to Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah; the way they batted was exceptional, patient, and determined, and they showed great application for long periods of time,” he said. 

Bursts of rain in the last three days and the fact that only 13 wickets were taken until the start of the final day meant that forcing a result was tough for either team.

“We knew that pitch would come to the fifth day, down to maybe the last two sessions,” Ervine said. 

“I think it was going to be tough to take 20 wickets on that surface, but at the same time, you don’t know where the game would have gone,” he said. 

The hope is that the Chevrons take their skipper’s words to heart as they head into the second Test, which begins tomorrow at the same venue, Queens Sports Club. 

Ervine confirmed pacer Richard Ngarava, who missed the first Test, will be back for the second. 

He added that Blessing Muzarabani and Newman Nyamhuri, who took three wickets in the game, were unwell at times but pulled through and will try and be “fresh and replenished” for the second Test, starting on January 2, at the same venue.”

“Bless (Muzarabani) was suffering from a bit of flu and a bit of dizziness,” he said.

“So we didn’t really want to push him too much, especially when you know we have only two days between this and the next Test.”

“Newman was struggling with his stomach for a few days, so bowling will draw a lot more energy from you if you’re not 100 percent. 

“We thought those guys may as well rest up and make sure when they come for the second Test, they are fresh and replenished.

“Brian Bennett getting a hundred in his second Test, the way he batted, was really good. 

“Guys weren’t looking for sweeps; they were playing straight and keeping things nice and simple.” — Cricinfo/Zimpapers Sports Hub.