In a groundbreaking Test match, Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi established a record 361-run partnership against Zimbabwe, marking the country’s highest-ever Test collaboration. At Day 3 stumps, they posted 2/425 with Shah scoring 231 not out and Shahidi 141 not out. This feat positions them among the top ten third-wicket partnerships in Test history, building on Afghanistan’s recent successes in limited-overs formats against Zimbabwe.
In a historic match in Bulawayo, records shattered as Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi of Afghanistan achieved a monumental feat by surpassing the nation’s highest Test partnership. Following Zimbabwe’s impressive score of 586 runs, the Afghan duo showcased their batting prowess, ending Day 3 with an unbroken partnership of 361 runs for the third wicket. This achievement not only marks the pair’s place among the top ten highest third-wicket partnerships in Test history but also reflects Afghanistan’s growing presence in international cricket, especially as they continue to build on their previous success against Zimbabwe in T20 and ODI formats.
As of stumps, Afghanistan stands at 2/425, with Shah scoring 231 and Shahidi contributing 141 not out. This innings represents the highest individual score for Shah in Test cricket, setting a remarkable benchmark for Afghanistan. The partnership between Shah and Shahidi now ranks as the second highest recorded on Zimbabwean soil, trailing only the 438-run stand established by Marvan Atapattu and Kumar Sangakkara in 2004. Furthermore, it is only the second instance of an Afghan partnership exceeding 150 runs, showcasing the duo’s exceptional performance.
The match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is a part of a two-Test series, following Afghanistan’s success in various limited-overs formats against the hosts. The context of this Test series is significant, as it comes during a period when neither team is participating in the World Test Championship. The pitch conditions at the Queens Sports Club have been noted for their batting-friendly nature, contributing to the record runs accumulated by both teams throughout the match. Historically, there are few instances of such partnerships in Test cricket, making this achievement noteworthy in the realm of sport.
The extraordinary performance of Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi has not only rewritten records but also highlighted Afghanistan’s emerging cricketing talent on the international stage. Their continued success in the Test arena builds upon previous victories against Zimbabwe, suggesting a bright future for Afghanistan Cricket. As both teams head into the next stages of the match, the possibility of setting further records remains on the horizon, underscoring the evolving dynamics of Test cricket.
Original Source: www.foxsports.com.au
