Afghanistan Breaks Historic Record in Test Cricket Against Zimbabwe
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, the Afghanistan cricket team has etched their name in the annals of cricket history by establishing a new record for the fewest number of Test matches taken to score 600 runs. Achieved during their drawn Test match against Zimbabwe at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, this significant milestone was reached in just 10 Test matches, surpassing Pakistan’s previous record of 19 Tests.
The Match Overview
In a high-scoring encounter, Afghanistan posted a staggering total of 699 runs in their first innings. The innings featured two outstanding performances from Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, both of whom scored double centuries—Shahidi leading the pack with a score of 246. This innings not only marks a personal best for Shahidi but also sets the record for the highest individual score by an Afghan player in Test history, previously held by Shah, who scored 234.
On the other side, Zimbabwe showcased their competitiveness by scoring 586 runs in their first innings. Key contributions came from Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, and Brian Bennett, all of whom made significant centuries. In the second innings, Zimbabwe managed to score 142 runs before the match concluded in a draw, marking a historic moment where both teams achieved their highest-ever scores in Test cricket.
Historic Record Breakdown
The record-breaking achievement of Afghanistan can be summarized as follows:
- Afghanistan: 10 Test matches to surpass 600 runs.
- Pakistan: Previously held the record with 19 Test matches.
- Other Notable Teams:
- West Indies: 27 Test matches
- Sri Lanka: 75 Test matches
- Bangladesh: 76 Test matches