Zimbabwe Make Test History with 500-Plus in Both Innings Against Afghanistan

Zimbabwe have written their names into Test cricket history, becoming the first team ever to score more than 500 runs in both innings of the same match, in a remarkable drawn first Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah.

The visitors piled up 504 in their first innings before declaring on 523 for five in the second, with Afghanistan sandwiched in between on 514. The three completed innings produced a combined 1,541 runs on a surface that offered the bowlers almost nothing.

Captain Craig Ervine was the star of the show, carrying his bat for an unbeaten 206 — his maiden Test double century at the age of 41 years and 82 days — while Brendan Taylor was named Player of the Match for his 131 and 82.

Afghanistan hit back with the bat

Afghanistan's reply was just as impressive, built on centuries from Sediqullah Atal (105), Rahmanullah (113) and captain Rahmat Shah (173), as six centuries and one double hundred lit up a batter-dominated five days.

Series still to be decided

The draw leaves the two-match series level ahead of the second and final Test, which begins in Sharjah on November 13.

Source: Cricket Times