Fri Dec 27 16:45:46 UTC 2024: ## Zimbabwe Smash Record, Post Highest Ever Test Total Against Afghanistan
**Bulawayo, Zimbabwe:** Zimbabwe achieved a historic feat in the first Test match against Afghanistan at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Zimbabwe amassed a colossal 586 runs, their highest ever Test total, completely overwhelming the Afghan bowlers.
This record-breaking score surpasses their previous best of 563/9 against West Indies in 2001. It’s the sixth time Zimbabwe has crossed the 500-run mark in a Test innings and the fourth time they’ve achieved this in the first innings.
The feat was powered by three centuries: Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104), and Brian Bennett (110*). Williams and Ervine shared a crucial 163-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Bennett’s unbeaten century further fueled Zimbabwe’s dominance. For Afghanistan, debutant AM Ghazfar took three wickets, while Naveed Zadran, Zia-ur-Rehman, and Zahir Khan each claimed two.
Despite a shaky start losing Joylord Gumbie early for 9 runs, Zimbabwe recovered through partnerships between Ben Curran (68) and Takudzwanashe Kaitano (46). However, it was the strong performance of Williams, Ervine, and Bennett that ultimately defined the day’s play.
This stunning performance leaves Afghanistan facing an uphill battle in the two-match series. The match continues.
First Piper 