File photo of Craig Ervine© AFP
The first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe produced more than 1,500 runs, including six centuries and one double century, but ended in a tame draw on Monday as Zimbabwe opted not to declare on an unresponsive pitch. Veteran Craig Ervine and all-rounder Wessly Madhevere put together an unbeaten partnership of 208 runs as both achieved personal milestones.
At the age of 41, Ervine scored his maiden Test double century and remained unbeaten on 206, while off-spinner Madhevere registered his first Test century and finished on an unbeaten 100 as Zimbabwe posted 523/5 in their second innings. The double hundred made Ervine the third-oldest cricketer to score a Test double century, at 41 years and 82 days.
Only Eric Rowan and Jack Hobbs were older than Ervine when they scored Test double centuries. South Africa’s Eric Rowan made 236 against England at Headingley in 1951 at the age of 42 years and six days, while Jack Hobbs scored 211 for England against South Africa at Lord’s in 1924 at the age of 41 years and 195 days.
No. 3 batter Brendan Taylor scored 82 in the second innings, having made 131 in the first innings alongside captain Brian Bennett (128), as Zimbabwe posted 504 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Afghanistan responded with 514, powered by centuries from opener Sediqullah Atal (105), No. 3 batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz (113) and captain Rahmat Shah (173) at No. 4.
Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman produced a national-record eighth-wicket partnership of 92 runs as Zimbabwe toiled in the hot conditions.
The second and final Test begins on Friday in Sharjah.
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