Rahmat Shah’s unbeaten 231 led Afghanistan to a strong 425 for 2 against Zimbabwe, who had set a record 586 in their first innings. Shah’s partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored 141, was pivotal in the innings, marking a rare wicketless day for Zimbabwe’s bowling.
Rahmat Shah achieved a remarkable feat by scoring an unbeaten 231, setting a new Test record for Afghanistan, as they concluded day three of the first Test against Zimbabwe with a formidable score of 425 for 2. Shah’s monumental partnership of 361 runs with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who contributed a solid 141, significantly propelled Afghanistan’s innings. Starting the day at 95 for 2, the team showed resilience, with Zimbabwe’s bowling attack failing to secure any wickets, marking one of the rare occasions in Test cricket history of a wicketless day.
Shah’s innings, which lasted for 416 deliveries, was characterized by three sixes and 23 fours, surpassing the previous highest score of 200 not out held by Shahidi since 2020. Shahidi himself played a commendable role, facing 276 balls and hitting 16 boundaries to reach his century with a stylish pull shot. This came following Zimbabwe’s unmatched first innings total of 586 runs, anchored by Sean Williams’ impressive 154 and aided by Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett, both of whom exceeded the century mark.
Despite being in a tough spot with a 161-run deficit, the Afghan players are poised for a strong challenge as they head into day four of the Test match, buoyed by their recent victories in the T20 and ODI series preceding this encounter. Zimbabwe’s bowling unit struggled, particularly medium pacer Trevor Gwandu, who managed only one wicket while conceding 86 runs.
This Test match marks a significant moment for Afghanistan cricket, showcasing their growing competitive edge in the international arena. Rahmat Shah’s record-breaking innings not only highlights individual excellence but reflects the increasing prowess of the Afghan team, particularly in the Test format. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, has set a high benchmark with their impressive innings of 586, holding the record for the highest team total in their Test history, which adds extra pressure on Afghanistan as they strive to catch up and stay competitive in the match.
In summary, Rahmat Shah’s extraordinary innings of 231 not out, together with Hashmatullah Shahidi’s steadfast 141, positions Afghanistan strongly against Zimbabwe’s formidable first innings total of 586. The lack of breakthroughs from the Zimbabwean bowling side indicates potential weaknesses that Afghanistan could exploit moving forward. The outcome of this Test match not only affects the series standings but also the perception of both teams’ capabilities on the world stage.
Original Source: tribune.com.pk
