Zimbabwe continue domination vs AFG after registering their highest-ever Test total-OxBig News Network

Zimbabwe dominated the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Bulawayo, amassing their highest-ever Test total of 586. Centuries from Craig Ervine, Sean Williams, and Brian Bennett were the cornerstone of this historic performance, leaving Afghanistan with a mountain to climb.

Starting the day at 386/3, Zimbabwe carried their momentum forward as Ervine reached his third Test century. Sean Williams, the overnight centurion, departed early for a well-compiled 154, mistiming a pull off Naveen-ul-Haq. Ervine, however, continued to anchor the innings, showcasing his proficiency against spin before falling for 104 to Zia-ur-Rehman, who briefly raised hopes for Afghanistan by striking twice in one over.

Zimbabwe register their highest Test score

Brian Bennett then took centre stage with a counter-attacking maiden century in only his second Test. His composed innings, coupled with crucial contributions from the lower order, propelled Zimbabwe past the 500-run mark for the first time in 21 years. Teen debutant Newman Nyamhuri chipped in with 26, hitting a six to reach the milestone. Bennett’s century came in dramatic fashion as a catch at the boundary was overturned due to the fielder stepping on the rope. He remained unbeaten on 110, guiding Zimbabwe to surpass their previous record of 563 set in 2001 against West Indies.

Afghanistan’s bowlers were rendered ineffective on a flat pitch, with Zia-ur-Rehman claiming three wickets as the sole bright spot. Fielding lapses compounded their struggles, allowing Zimbabwe to pile on runs with ease.

In reply, Afghanistan faced early trouble as debutant Trevor Gwandu dismissed Sediqullah Atal for a duck with a peach of a delivery. Abdul Malik and Rahmat Shah steadied the innings briefly, but Muzarabani’s bouncer forced Malik into an error, and he departed for 22. Rahmat looked fluent, scoring 49 not out, while Hashmatullah Shahidi added 24 before bad light halted play with Afghanistan at 95/2, trailing by a mammoth 491 runs.

Zimbabwe’s commanding performance has firmly placed them in control, with Afghanistan needing a monumental effort to stay alive in the game.