First test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe produces over 1,500 runs but ends in a flat draw

SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The first test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe produced over 1,500 runs, including six centuries and one double century, but ended in a flat draw on Monday as Zimbabwe chose not to declare on an unresponsive pitch. Veteran Craig Ervine and allrounder Wessly Madhevere chalked up an unbeaten partnership of 208 runs as they achieved personal milestones. At the age of 41, Ervine scored his first test double hundred and was unbeaten on 206, while offspinner Madhevere got his first test century batting and finished 100 not out in Zimbabwe's second-innings total of 523 for 5. No. 3 batter Brendan Taylor scored 82 of those, having got 131 in the first innings alongside captain Brian Bennett (128) as Zimbabwe posted 504 in Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. Afghanistan responded to that with 514 and centuries from opener Sediqullah Atal (105), No. 3 batter Rahmanullah (113) and captain Rahmat Shah (173) batting at No. 4. Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman produced a national record eighth-wicket stand of 92 runs as Zimbabwe toiled in hot conditions. The second and final test starts on Friday in Sharjah. ___ See AP’s full cricket coverage here