Cricket Highlights: Boxing Day Tests Provide Thrilling Action
NEWS CHARIOT (Hyderabad, Jan.1) : The Boxing Day Tests on December 26 brought intense cricketing action, with three matches commencing on the same day: India vs. Australia in Melbourne, South Africa vs. Pakistan, and Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan.
South Africa vs. Pakistan
South Africa clinched a narrow victory over Pakistan by two wickets on Day 4, showcasing resilience in a tightly contested match.
India vs. Australia
Australia dominated India, winning by a massive margin of 184 runs. The match concluded on December 30, with India struggling against a formidable Australian bowling attack.
Zimbabwe vs. Afghanistan
The Test match between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan, held in Bulawayo, ended in a high-scoring draw. Over five days, six centuries, including two double centuries, were scored, with 24 wickets falling and 1,586 runs amassed, reminiscent of 1990s Test cricket.
First Innings Highlights
- Zimbabwe: Scored 586, with centuries from Sean Williams (154), Brian Bennett (110), and Craig Ervine (104). Bennett also claimed five wickets in the match.
- Afghanistan: Achieved their first-ever 600+ score in Test cricket, finishing at 699. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (246) and Rahmat Shah (234) both scored double centuries, with Afsar Zazai adding 113.
Second Innings Drama
In their second innings, Zimbabwe was at 142/4 when the match ended in a draw. Despite an initial collapse, Sean Williams (35*) and Craig Ervine (22*) stabilized the innings to secure the result.
Records and Milestones
- Afghanistan surpassed the 600-run mark for the first time in just their 10th Test, breaking Pakistan’s earlier record of achieving the feat in 19 Tests.
- Zimbabwe posted their highest Test score, surpassing their previous best of 563 against the West Indies in 2001.
- Shahidi’s 246 was his second Test double century, solidifying his position as a key player for Afghanistan.
The match highlighted the growing competitiveness of both teams, with runs galore and records shattered in a thrilling exhibition of Test cricket.
