According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), Zimbabwe created cricket history on November 9 when they became the first team to achieve more than 500 runs in both innings of a Test match against Afghanistan at Sharjah. They made history by being the first side to score more than 500 runs in both innings of a single Test match.
They declared at 523 for 5 in their second innings after scoring 504 in their first, a record no team had accomplished in over a century of Test cricket. Afghanistan responded with 514 in their own first innings, resulting in a total of 1,541 runs and 25 wickets over the course of three completed innings. Although the match ended in a draw, Zimbabwe’s historic batting performance completely eclipsed the outcome.
After Jack Hobbs of England and Eric Rowan of South Africa, Ervine, who is 41 years and 82 days old, became the third-oldest player to make a double century in Test cricket. Afghanistan had gained a slim 10-run lead in the first innings, but Zimbabwe resumed at 164 for three with Ervine and Brian Bennett at the crease on the last day. Before being removed by Mohammad Saleem, Bennett amassed a half-century. Before being removed by Abdul Malik, debutant Antum Naqvi shared a 140-run partnership with Ervine, contributing 61 runs.
Prior to this match in Sharjah, no side in Test cricket history had ever scored 500 runs in both innings of the same match. Zimbabwe set a new record with consecutive totals of 504 and 523 for 5. Prior to this match in Sharjah, no side in Test cricket history had ever scored 500 runs in both innings of the same match. Zimbabwe set a new record with consecutive totals of 504 and 523 for 5.
With just 25 wickets taken across the three completed innings, the total of 1,541 runs highlights how dominant the bat was over the course of the five days at Sharjah. Regardless of the outcome, Zimbabwe’s place in history is now assured.
