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



Afghanistan started the third day at 95/2, trailing Zimbabwe by a whopping 491 runs. The pressure was on their batsmen to put up a resilient performance against a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling attack. Rise to the occasion, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi they built a marathon partnership that not only stabilized the Afghan innings but also showcased their mettle and skill at the Test level. Judging by the stumps, Afghanistan reached an imposing 425/2, trailing by just 161 runs with Rahmat and Shahidi firmly in control.

Rahmat Shah’s record double century

Rahmat was the man of the match, scoring an unbeaten 231, one of the most significant Test innings in Afghan cricket history. Facing 416 deliveries, his innings was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. Rahmat’s ability to rotate shots and send loose deliveries kept the Zimbabwean bowlers under constant pressure. His sharp strokeplay, including 23 boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his dominance at the crease. Rahmat also showed incredible concentration, with his key moments – reaching 100 off 198 balls and later 200 off 371 balls – highlighting innings of immense maturity. Rahmat further joined the elite club by becoming only the second Afghan batsman after Shahidi to score a double century in Tests.

Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan is not playing the Boxing Day Test

Hashmatullah Shahidi’s strong support strengthens Afghanistan

Shahidi complemented Rahmat brilliantly with a steady 141 not out from 276 balls. While Rahmat played the role of aggressor, Shahidi cemented 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 hold the position for a long period of time allowed Afghanistan to recover from early losses Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik. Together, Rahmat and Shahidi put on an unbroken partnership of 361 runs for the third wicket, a record for Afghanistan in Test cricket.

Bowling in Zimbabwe is struggling on a flat track

Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggled on a flat Bulawayo surface that offered little help. Blessings to Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu managed to grab early wickets but the attack lacked the penetration to trouble Rahmat and Shahidi. Sean Williams and Brandon Trouble played for long periods without success, as Afghanistan capitalized on the conditions. The hosts’ inability to generate reverse momentum or extract spin further eased the task for Afghanistan’s batsmen, who batted with remarkable discipline and intent.

With two days remaining and Afghanistan trailing by just 161 runs, the game is intriguingly balanced. Zimbabwe will try 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 look to surpass Zimbabwe’s total and set up a competitive contest.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also SEE: Sam Konstas hilariously taunts Indian fans by mimicking Virat Kohli’s haul during MCG Test





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