Afghanistan began the third day at 95/2, trailing Zimbabwe by an enormous 491 runs. The strain was on their batters to ship a resilient efficiency in opposition to a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling assault. Rising to the event, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi constructed a marathon partnership that not solely stabilized Afghanistan’s innings but additionally displayed their grit and talent on the Check degree. By stumps, Afghanistan have reached an imposing 425/2, trailing by simply 161 runs with Rahmat and Shahidi firmly in management.
Rahmat Shah’s record-breaking double century
Rahmat was the standout performer, producing an unbeaten 231, one of the crucial vital Check innings in Afghanistan’s cricket historical past. Going through 416 deliveries, his innings was a masterclass in persistence and shot choice. Rahmat’s capability to rotate strike and dispatch free deliveries saved the Zimbabwean bowlers below fixed strain. His crisp stroke play, together with 23 boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his dominance on the crease. Rahmat additionally showcased exceptional focus, along with his milestone moments – reaching 100 off 198 balls and later 200 off 371 balls – punctuating an innings of immense maturity. Rahmat additional joined the elite membership by turning into solely the second Afghan batter after Shahidi to attain a double century in Checks.
Additionally READ: ZIM vs AFG: Right here’s why Rashid Khan not enjoying the Boxing Day Check
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s gritty help anchors Afghanistan
Shahidi complemented Rahmat brilliantly with a gradual 141 not out off 276 balls. Whereas Rahmat performed the aggressor’s function, Shahidi anchored the partnership, displaying his sound approach and temperament. His knock included 16 boundaries, along with his fifty coming off 108 balls and his century off 201 deliveries. Shahidi’s capability to occupy the crease for prolonged intervals allowed Afghanistan to rebuild after the early losses of Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik. Collectively, Rahmat and Shahidi placed on an unbroken 361-run partnership for the third wicket, a record-breaking stand for Afghanistan in Check cricket.
Zimbabwe’s bowling struggles on a flat observe
Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled arduous on a flat Bulawayo floor that supplied little help. Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu managed to assert early wickets, however the assault lacked the penetration to bother Rahmat and Shahidi. Sean Williams and Brandon Mavuta bowled prolonged spells with out success, as Afghanistan capitalized on the situations. The hosts’ incapability to generate reverse swing or extract flip additional eased the duty for the Afghan batters, who batted with exceptional self-discipline and intent.
With two days remaining and Afghanistan trailing by simply 161 runs, the match is intriguingly poised. Zimbabwe will look to regroup and strategize to interrupt the Rahmat-Shahidi partnership early on Day 4 to regain management of the sport. Alternatively, Afghanistan will purpose to surpass Zimbabwe’s complete and arrange a aggressive contest.
Right here’s how followers reacted:
Rahmat Shah as soon as once more exhibiting the category act that he’s. Sediq and he are going to be vital gamers for Afg on the Champs trophy. #ZimvsAfg
— Srinath (@srinathb) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to each Rahmat Shah and Hashmat shahidi for document making partnerships to convey Afghanistan again within the sport. Afghanistan ought to proceed until tea tomorrow to place some strain on zim .@RahmatShah_08 @Hashmat_50 pic.twitter.com/oySoUPBvx2
— Taj Malik Alam (@TajMalokAlam) December 28, 2024
𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃! 💯💯@RahmatShah_08 places on an impressive batting efficiency as he brings up an unbelievable double hundred within the ongoing take a look at match in opposition to Zimbabwe. 🙌🤩
A batting show to recollect for an extended, very long time, Shah G! 👏#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/WdwOZb6OCl
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 28, 2024
Calm, composed, and calculated! Unimaginable, simply unbelievable from the ever-reliable @RahmatShah_08.
MA SHA ALLAH, a improbable batting efficiency, Shah G! Preserve them coming. 🤩👏🙌 pic.twitter.com/8nzqsQnOGe
— Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) December 28, 2024
In the meantime, Rahmat Shah & Shahidi have batted the entire day in Bulawayo. Insane. #ZimvAfg
— Saresh Saha (@CricSar) December 28, 2024
Glorious knock by Shah G!! Saved his nerves calm. I hope we are able to play take a look at sequence in opposition to England & New Zealand subsequent. @RahmatShah_08 pic.twitter.com/eMy9biM2ix
— ابراهیم. 🇦🇫 (@TheKabulWala) December 28, 2024
Wow, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi have stitched a 350 run stand.
Double ton for Rahmat Shah🔥
— Mayank (@ImMayankB) December 28, 2024
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi brings up his 2nd Check century!
He is unbeaten on 131, sharing a 303-run partnership with Rahmat Shah.
His 2nd ton in opposition to Zimbabwe, showcasing his mastery! #AFGvZIM #HashmatullahShahidi pic.twitter.com/bCAbMKltNe
— Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) December 28, 2024
The sport is finely within the stability as Afghanistan managed to bat by way of the day, ending Day 3 on 425/2 trailing Zimbabwe by 161 runs.#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/tilcuRNEDG
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 28, 2024
2️⃣nd Check hundred by Rahmat Shah 👏🏏#CricketTwitter #ZIMvAFG #rahmatshah #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/1S8M7G0cjF
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
