Sharjah, 09 November (H.S.): Zimbabwe batter Craig Ervine achieved a remarkable milestone in the ongoing first Test against Afghanistan, becoming the oldest Zimbabwean batter to score a Test century. Ervine reached the landmark at the age of 41 years and 82 days.

Ervine struck his fifth Test century in Zimbabwe’s second innings on Monday, surpassing the record set by Brendan Taylor, who had earlier become Zimbabwe’s oldest Test centurion with a score of 131 in the first innings of the same match.

Ervine is now the second-oldest batter in the world to score a Test century in the 21st century. Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq remains ahead of him, having scored 114 against England at Lord’s in 2016 at the age of 42 years and 47 days.

During the same innings, Ervine also crossed the 2,000-run mark in Test cricket, becoming only the seventh Zimbabwean batter to achieve the feat.

The ongoing Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan appeared to be heading towards a draw. At tea on the fifth day, Zimbabwe had reached 372 for five in their second innings. With only one session of play remaining and Zimbabwe still batting, the prospect of a decisive result looked increasingly unlikely.

Zimbabwe had posted 504 in their first innings, powered by centuries from Brendan Taylor, who scored 131, and captain Brian Bennett, who made 128. Wessly Madhevere also contributed a half-century.

In reply, Afghanistan scored 514 to secure a 10-run first-innings lead. Sediqullah Atal (105), Rahmanullah Zadran (113) and captain Rahmat Shah (173) all struck centuries to put Afghanistan ahead.

Zimbabwe’s batters continued their strong showing in the second innings. Taylor scored 82, Bennett contributed 58, while Ervine reached his century. Antum Naqvi also made a valuable contribution of 62 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar