Ervine’s unbeaten 206 helps Zimbabwe draw first Test with Afghanistan

Craig Ervine scored his first Test double century at age 41 and Wessly Madhevere reached his maiden Test hundred as Zimbabwe drew the first match of its two-Test series against Afghanistan on Monday in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Zimbabwe finished on 523 for five in its second innings after making 504 in the first. International Cricket Council match report.

Ervine ended unbeaten on 206 and Madhevere on 100. They put on 208 without losing a wicket, Zimbabwe’s highest sixth-wicket partnership in Test cricket. Ervine reached his double hundred with a boundary off Abdul Malik in the 119th over. At 41 years and 82 days, he became the third-oldest batter to score a Test double century, behind Jack Hobbs and Eric Rowan, according to the ICC.

“I never thought 200 was on the cards,” Ervine said, as quoted by NewsDay. He said a double century had seemed out of reach when he got to 100.

Zimbabwe began the final day on 164 for three, a lead of 154 after conceding a 10-run first-innings advantage. Brian Bennett reached 58 before Mohammad Saleem bowled him. Antum Naqvi made 61 on debut and added 140 with Ervine before falling to Abdul Malik with the score at 315 for five. Madhevere came in next and stayed with Ervine through the close. SABC Sport’s final-day recap.

Bennett had made 128 in the first innings and Brendan Taylor scored 131. Afghanistan replied with 514 as Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah and Rahmat Shah all reached three figures. Shah led the innings with 173. Newman Nyamhuri took five wickets for Zimbabwe, his first five-wicket haul in a Test. Associated Press score summary and Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s match report.

Zimbabwe scored 1,027 runs across its two innings. It was the first team to make more than 500 in each innings of a Test, according to the ICC. Afghanistan batted once.

The draw leaves the series level with one match remaining. The second Test also takes place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium and is scheduled for Nov. 13–17.

Photo by Sanober Ahmed, CC BY-SA 4.0. Resized for display.