Zimbabwe Make Test Cricket History After Extraordinary Afghanistan Run Fest
Zimbabwe have made Test cricket history after becoming the first team ever to score more than 500 runs in both innings of a single Test match. The remarkable achievement came against Afghanistan in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, on Monday, 9 November 2026.
The Chevrons posted 504 in their first innings before following it up with 523/5 in their second. Afghanistan had also scored 514, meaning all three completed innings in the match produced totals exceeding 500 runs.
The achievement was confirmed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which highlighted Zimbabwe’s record-breaking batting performance after the five-day encounter ended in a draw.
Zimbabwe become the first team ever to score 500+ in both innings of a Test match
#AFGvZIM https://t.co/8Ey2DmzcWY
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) November 9, 2026
Zimbabwe Set Unprecedented Test Cricket Record
Zimbabwe’s achievement was built on contributions from several batters across the match.
Brendan Taylor scored 131 runs in the first innings, while captain Brian Bennett added 128 as Zimbabwe reached 504. Afghanistan responded with 514, taking a narrow 10-run lead.
However, Zimbabwe returned to the crease and produced another substantial total, finishing on 523/5 after 122.1 overs.
The result meant Zimbabwe became the first side in Test history to cross the 500-run mark in both innings of the same match.
Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere Shine in Sharjah
The final day belonged to Craig Ervine, who produced a career-defining innings. The 41-year-old finished unbeaten on 206 from 279 deliveries, recording his maiden Test double century.
According to the ICC, Ervine became the third-oldest player to score a double century in Test cricket, aged 41 years and 82 days.
Wessly Madhevere also reached a significant milestone. He scored an unbeaten 100, his maiden century in the longest format. The pair shared an unbroken 208-run partnership for the sixth wicket, setting a Zimbabwe record.
The ICC described the achievement as the only occasion when a team had scored more than 500 runs in both innings of a Test match.
Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe Test Ends in a Draw
Despite the extraordinary batting numbers, neither side managed to secure victory.
Afghanistan’s 514 was built around Rahmat Shah’s 173, Rahmanullah Zadran’s 113 and Sediqullah Atal’s 105. Zimbabwe’s Newman Nyamhuri also claimed five wickets in Afghanistan’s innings.
Brendan Taylor was named Player of the Match after scoring 131 and 82 across Zimbabwe’s two innings.
The result leaves the two teams level heading into the second and final Test, scheduled for 13–17 November at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
For Zimbabwe, however, the first encounter will be remembered for a landmark that had eluded every Test-playing nation before them.
The post Zimbabwe Become First Team Ever to Achieve Remarkable Test Cricket Record appeared first on iHarare News.
