Fans react as Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi’s marathon stand revives Afghanistan’s hopes against Zimbabwe on Day 3 of Bulawayo Test




Afghanistan started the third day at 95/2, trailing Zimbabwe by a massive 491 runs. The pressure was on their batters to deliver a resilient performance against a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling attack. Rising to the occasion, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi constructed a marathon partnership that not only stabilized Afghanistan’s innings but also displayed their grit and skill at the Test level. By stumps, Afghanistan have reached an imposing 425/2, trailing by just 161 runs with Rahmat and Shahidi firmly in control.

Rahmat Shah’s record-breaking double century

Rahmat was the standout performer, producing an unbeaten 231, one of the most significant Test innings in Afghanistan’s cricket history. Facing 416 deliveries, his innings was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. Rahmat’s ability to rotate strike and dispatch loose deliveries kept the Zimbabwean bowlers under constant pressure. His crisp stroke play, including 23 boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his dominance at the crease. Rahmat also showcased remarkable concentration, with his milestone moments – reaching 100 off 198 balls and later 200 off 371 balls – punctuating an innings of immense maturity. Rahmat further joined the elite club by becoming only the second Afghan batter after Shahidi to score a double century in Tests.

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Hashmatullah Shahidi’s gritty support anchors Afghanistan

Shahidi complemented Rahmat brilliantly with a steady 141 not out off 276 balls. While Rahmat played the aggressor’s role, Shahidi anchored the partnership, displaying his sound technique and temperament. His knock included 16 boundaries, with his fifty coming off 108 balls and his century off 201 deliveries. Shahidi’s ability to occupy the crease for extended periods allowed Afghanistan to rebuild after the early losses of Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik. Together, Rahmat and Shahidi put on an unbroken 361-run partnership for the third wicket, a record-breaking stand for Afghanistan in Test cricket.

Zimbabwe’s bowling struggles on a flat track

Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled hard on a flat Bulawayo surface that offered little assistance. Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu managed to claim early wickets, but the attack lacked the penetration to trouble Rahmat and Shahidi. Sean Williams and Brandon Mavuta bowled lengthy spells without success, as Afghanistan capitalized on the conditions. The hosts’ inability to generate reverse swing or extract turn further eased the task for the Afghan batters, who batted with remarkable discipline and intent.

With two days remaining and Afghanistan trailing by just 161 runs, the match is intriguingly poised. Zimbabwe will look to regroup and strategize to break the Rahmat-Shahidi partnership early on Day 4 to regain control of the game. On the other hand, Afghanistan will aim to surpass Zimbabwe’s total and set up a competitive contest.

Here’s how fans reacted:

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