ZIM vs AFG: Historic Target Set By ZIM On Day 3

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ZIM vs AFG: In a spectacular batting display, Zimbabwe scored their highest ever in test history, scoring 586 on day three of the ongoing test series against Afghanistan at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo. This remains one of the team’s all-time highs for cricket over the Zimbabwean team, which came before their previous highest, where they scored 563/9 against the West Indies way back in 2001.

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Zimbabwe’s Historic Total in ZIM vs AFG, Test

Zimbabwe’s total of 586 runs not only set a new record for the team but also highlighted the dominance of their top-order batsmen. The 586-run innings represents the sixth time that Zimbabwe has crossed the 500-run mark in a Test match, underscoring the team’s ability to post big totals on the international stage. The achievement was especially significant since it came in a historic game against Afghanistan, in what could well be a thrilling series between the two teams over their two Tests.

Three Centuries in ZIM vs AFG, Test

The three batsmen of Zimbabwe, who scored centuries in the first innings, were the key to their extraordinary total. Sean Williams led the charge with a brilliant knock of 154 runs, the highest score of the innings. Captain Craig Ervine also played a pivotal role, making 104 runs, while Brian Bennett, the young debutant, impressed with an unbeaten 110 runs.

Before this, Zimbabwe’s highest score in Test cricket had been 563/9, made in a match against the West Indies in 2001, which ended in a draw. Interestingly, it was a trio of Zimbabwean batsmen who had achieved centuries in that match: Trevor Gripper (112), Andy Flower (114*), and Craig Wishart (114).

A Historical Record for Sean Williams

Among the standouts was Sean Williams, who became the second-oldest Zimbabwean cricketer to score a Test century, after Dave Houghton. His 154-run knock was not only important to Zimbabwe’s big total but also put him in the record books as one of the older players in the Zimbabwean side.

Brian Bennett’s Special Debut

This was a major victory for the young cricketer Brian Bennett, as he marked his Test debut with a fine start in his cricketing career. The 21-year-old youngster batted his way to an unbeaten 110 runs. He was the second-youngest Zimbabwean to score a Test century, after only Hamilton Masakadza, who had achieved it at 17 years and 352 days.

Bennett had made his Test debut earlier in 2024 against Ireland in Belfast, where he had a quieter performance, scoring just 18 runs across two innings. However, this match against Afghanistan marked a significant turnaround, with Bennett showing remarkable composure and skill to contribute heavily to Zimbabwe’s record-breaking total.

The 500+ Milestone for Zimbabwe

The 586 runs sum is the sixth instance Zimbabwe has crossed 500 runs in a Test. In Zimbabwean cricketing history, this 500+ totals scored in Tests includes matches played against some of the major cricketing countries. This was achieved when they surpassed India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the West Indies; although the West Indies remain the only side they have faced twice, they managed to surpass 500 on.

Zimbabwe’s Test lose Streak

However, the above excellent batting performance did little to ease the overall concern surrounding Zimbabwe’s Test cricket form. Zimbabwe has not been able to win a Test match in more than three years, with their last Test win recorded against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi in March 2021. Since then, Zimbabwe went on to lose six successive Test matches and draw only one.

This trying stretch without a win has added more pressure to the team to convert record-breaking innings into a win as they look to elevate their international Test cricket status.

Looking Ahead

As Zimbabwe and Afghanistan continue with their ZIM vs AFG Test series, the match in Bulawayo seems to set the stage for a thrilling contest. With a record-breaking first innings by Zimbabwe, they are indeed in a great position but the real test will be if they can convert this monumental total into a victory. For Afghanistan now, the task will be to respond with resilience, so that Zimbabwe’s record-breaking innings don’t come to an end with an easy win for the home team.

This historic inning not only gives a great morale boost to Zimbabwe but also adds a new chapter to the nation’s cricketing legacy, showing potential for more remarkable performances in the future.

ALSO READ: IND vs AUS: Steve Smith Makes History With 34th Test Century In Boxing Day Clash

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