How many matches did each team take to win their first Test match?
The maiden Test victory for each team unfolds a distinct narrative.
In the history of cricket, the maiden Test victory for every team holds a unique narrative.The first Test match played in 1877 saw Australia emerge victorious, making them the solitary team to achieve success in their inaugural Test.
Meanwhile, England and Pakistan secured their first Test victories in their second matches, indicating quick adaptation to the longer format. Newcomers Afghanistan, likewise, won their first Test after playing two Tests, winning their duel against Ireland in 2019, played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Dehradun.
West Indies and Ireland took six and eight matches respectively to open their Test win accounts. Zimbabwe and South Africa achieved their first wins in 11 and 12 Tests, respectively. Sri Lanka battled through 14 Tests before tasting their first victory.
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For India, the path to their inaugural Test triumph was paved with challenges and setbacks. It took them a staggering 25 matches, spanning over two decades since their Test debut. Bangladesh broke through after 35 Tests, whereas New Zealand endured the longest stretch of 45 matches before their breakthrough.
Ireland create history after winning the one-off Test against Afghanistan
In a historic match at Tolerance Oval, Abu Dhabi, Ireland secured their maiden Test victory, triumphing over Afghanistan by six wickets in the one-off Test match. The win was marked by outstanding performances from various players, notably Mark Adair, who was awarded the Player of the Match for his remarkable bowling figures of 5/39 and 3/56 in the two innings.
Afghanistan, after winning the toss and electing to bat first, posted a total of 155 in their first innings, with Ibrahim Zadran being the top-scorer with 53 to his name. Ireland's bowlers, led by Adair's splendid display, restricted Afghanistan's batting lineup effectively.
In response, Ireland put up a solid batting performance, led by Curtis Campher's resilient 49, Paul Stirling's gritty 52, and wicketkeeper-batter's Lorcan Tucker's 46. Despite some early setbacks with half the side back in the shed at 106-5, Ireland managed to put up a total of 263 runs in their first innings.
In their second innings, Afghanistan showed more resistance, posting 218 on the board, with skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi contributing a well-fought 55. However, Ireland's bowlers continued to apply pressure, with Adair once again leading the charge with three crucial wickets, and Barry McCarthy and Craig Young scalping three apiece as well.
Chasing a target of 111 in their second innings, Ireland encountered some early hiccups but eventually secured victory with Andy Balbirnie's 58* and a valuable contribution from Lorcan Tucker. The win marked a significant milestone for Irish cricket, as they celebrated their inaugural Test triumph, making history in the process.
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