First test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe produces over 1,500 runs but ends in a flat draw
A run-fest in Sharjah ended in a tame draw on Monday, with Zimbabwe opting against a declaration on a docile surface in the first Test against Afghanistan. The match produced more than 1,500 runs, including six hundreds and a double hundred.
On the final day, veteran Craig Ervine and allrounder Wessly Madhevere put together an unbroken 208-run partnership, and both reached personal landmarks along the way.
The 41-year-old Ervine remained 206 not out for his maiden Test double hundred. Off-spinner Madhevere made 100 not out, his first Test century with the bat, as Zimbabwe finished its second innings on 523 for 5.
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No. 3 Brendan Taylor contributed 82 to that total. He had made 131 in the first innings, sharing a big stand with captain Brian Bennett (128), as Zimbabwe posted 504 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan matched it with 514. Opener Sediqullah Atal (105), No. 3 Rahmanullah (113) and captain Rahmat Shah, who made 173 at No. 4, all scored hundreds.
Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman added 92 for the eighth wicket, a national record for Afghanistan, as Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled in the heat.
The second and final Test begins on Friday, also in Sharjah.
(With inputs from PTI)
Published on Nov 09, 2026
