Match Results:
* Australia vs. India: Australia won by 184 runs.
* Sydney Thunder vs. [Opponent Name Missing]: Thunder won by 8 runs.
* Rangpur Riders vs. [Opponent Name Missing]: Rangpur won by 40 runs.
* Barishal Bulls vs. [Opponent Name Missing]: Barishal won by 4 wickets (with 11 balls remaining).
* New Zealand vs. Sri Lanka: New Zealand won by 45 runs.
* Sialkot Stallions vs. Lahore Qalandars: Match drawn.
* Adelaide Strikers vs. Perth Scorchers: Match yet to begin.
* Otago Volts vs. Central Districts Stags: Match yet to begin.
* Chittagong Kings vs. Khulna Tigers: Match yet to begin.
* Rangpur Riders vs. Sylhet Strikers: Match yet to begin.
Afghanistan vs. Zimbabwe Test Match Records:
Afsar Zazai set a new record for most dismissals by a wicketkeeper in a Test innings for Afghanistan (4), surpassing Ikram Alikhil’s previous record of 3. Hashmatullah Shahidi and Rahmat Shah achieved a record-breaking 364-run partnership for the third wicket in Tests for Afghanistan, exceeding their own previous record of 130 runs and setting a new record for the highest partnership for *any* wicket (surpassing the previous record of 307). Rahmat Shah also broke the record for most runs scored in boundaries in a Test innings for Afghanistan (110), surpassing Hashmatullah Shahidi’s previous record of 90. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s score of 246 is the highest individual score in Tests for Afghanistan, surpassing his own previous best of 200. Zahir Khan holds the unfortunate record for most ducks in Tests for Afghanistan (5), exceeding Nijat Masood’s 4. This Test match also produced the highest match aggregate (1427 runs) in a Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan.
Post-Match Interviews:
Hashmatullah Shahidi (Player of the Match): Expressed his happiness at his performance, attributing his success to hard work and dedication. He stated he doesn’t closely follow social media criticism but appreciates the passion of Afghan fans. He discussed the team’s tactics, mentioning the rain’s impact on their plans. He praised Rahmat Shah and Afsar Zazai’s performances and highlighted the improved bowling performance, particularly Zahir Khan’s contribution. He also lauded Rahmat Shah’s exceptional batting.
Craig Ervine (Zimbabwe Captain): Praised Ben Curran and Joylord Gumbie’s opening partnership, emphasizing Curran’s intensity. He described his partnership with Sean Williams as patient and focused on selecting the right scoring opportunities. He acknowledged the challenging flat pitch, crediting his bowlers for keeping the run rate down and highlighting Blessing Muzarabani’s leadership. He noted areas for improvement in field placements and expressed confidence in his young bowlers, Gwandu and Nyamhuri, despite their heavy workloads.
Match Summary (5:12 pm):
The match was exciting for batters but challenging for bowlers. Afghanistan’s late-day surge nearly changed the game’s momentum after a rain break, dismissing Zimbabwe’s top order quickly. Ervine and Williams stabilized Zimbabwe’s innings, but there were close calls and appeals. Afghanistan’s spinners bowled effectively. The hope is for a more bowler-friendly pitch in the second Test, and the return of Rashid Khan and Sikandar Raza is anticipated to significantly impact the series.
Commentary & Miscellaneous:
Shane’s commentary about Himanshu. Himanshu’s brief comment on the match ending prematurely. A series of short descriptions of individual ball-by-ball action. Sean Williams’ humorous comment from the stump microphone about the Afghan bowlers. Despite Zimbabwe’s high score of 586, they dropped multiple catches from Rahmat and Shahidi. Williams and Ervine’s batting after the rain break prevented an Afghan win. Afghanistan reached their maiden 600+ total in only their 10th Test. Only 31 overs were possible due to the weather, during which Nyamhuri took his maiden Test wicket. Rahmat Shah became Afghanistan’s highest Test run-scorer with an unbeaten 231, while Shahidi scored his second Test century.