Afghanistan broke Pakistan’s record for the fewest Test matches to score over 600 runs, achieving this in only 10 matches during their drawn game against Zimbabwe. With a total of 699 runs, featuring two double centuries, Afghanistan set a historic mark in Test cricket while Zimbabwe also recorded its highest score of 586 in the same match.
In a remarkable performance during their Test match against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, Afghanistan established a new world record by scoring 600 runs in the fewest Test matches. Afghanistan’s total of 699 in their innings featured stellar contributions from Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, both of whom scored double centuries. This achievement positioned Afghanistan as the fastest team to reach a 600-plus score in Test cricket, accomplishing this feat in only 10 matches.
The previous record was held by Pakistan, which had taken 19 Test matches to secure a score exceeding 600. This record originates from Pakistan’s first instance of scoring 600-plus in 1958, following their Test debut in 1952. In this high-scoring affair, Zimbabwe also marked a milestone by scoring 586 runs in their first innings, contributing to an engaging and historically significant match.
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s outstanding 246 runs made headlines as it became the highest individual score for an Afghanistan batter in Test matches, re-establishing his own record that was briefly overtaken by Rahmat Shah’s 234 runs. The match concluded in a draw, marking an important chapter in both teams’ cricketing histories, as they collectively achieved their highest-ever scores in Test cricket, thereby making this an unusual occurrence where both teams registered their best performances in the same fixture.
Afghanistan’s cricketing journey has been one of rapid progress since they became an Associate Member of the International Cricket Council. The team has steadily risen through the ranks and achieved Full Member status, allowing them to compete at the highest levels of international cricket. The ability to score heavily in Test matches reflects both the development of their batting line-up and their increasing competitiveness against established teams. This specific Test against Zimbabwe served not only as a battleground for individual records but also as a testament to Afghanistan’s growth in the sport.
In conclusion, Afghanistan’s recent draw against Zimbabwe has rewritten history by breaking Pakistan’s long-standing record for the fewest matches taken to score 600 runs in Test cricket. Afghanistan’s remarkable achievement in scoring 699 runs and individual performances by their players underscore the country’s cricketing prowess. As both teams celebrate their highest scores, this event marks a significant milestone in their cricketing narratives.
Original Source: www.indiatvnews.com
