Afghanistan The third day started at 95/2, trailing Zimbabwe by 491 runs. The pressure was on their strikers to produce a resilient performance against a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling attack. Rising to the occasion, Rahma Shah and May God have mercy on me, my martyr He built a marathon partnership that not only stabilized Afghanistan’s innings but also showcased their resolve and skill at Test level. With stumps, Afghanistan reached 425/2, Only 161 points behind With Rahmat and Al-Shahidi firmly in control.
Rahmat Shah’s record-breaking double century
Rahmat was the standout performer, producing an unbeaten 231, one of the most important Test innings in the history of Afghan cricket. Facing 416 deliveries, his innings was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. Rahmat’s ability to rotate the strike and send out loose deliveries kept the Zimbabwean bowlers under constant pressure. His crisp play, including 23 boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his dominance at the crease. Rahmat also showed great concentration, with his standout moments – hitting a 100 off 198 balls and then a 200 off 371 balls – punctuating an innings of immense maturity. Rahmat also joined the elite club to become the second Afghan batsman after Shahidi to score two centuries in Tests.
Also Read: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan didn’t play the Boxing Day Test
Heshmatullah Shahidi’s courageous support anchors Afghanistan
Shahidi Rahmat completed brilliantly with 141 set pieces out of 276 balls. While Rahmat played the role of the aggressor, Shahidi strengthened the partnership and showed his proper style and temperament. His knock included 16 boundaries, his fifty coming off 108 balls and his century off 201 deliveries. Shahidi’s ability to hold Thaniya for long periods allowed Afghanistan to rebuild after early losses Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik. Together, Rahmat and Shahidi put on a 361-run partnership for the third wicket, a stand that broke Afghanistan’s record in Test cricket.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers struggle on a flat track
Zimbabwe’s bowlers toiled hard on a flat Bulawayo surface that offered little help. Blessing Al-Muzarabani and Trevor Guando He managed to claim early wickets, but the attack lacked penetration to trouble Rahmat and Shahidi. Sean Williams and Brandon’s problem He bowled long overs without success, as Afghanistan took advantage of the conditions. The hosts’ inability to generate reverse swing or extract spin made the task easier for the Afghan batsmen, who batted with remarkable discipline and intent.
With two days remaining and Afghanistan trailing by just 161 runs, the match looks in an interesting position. Zimbabwe will look to regroup and strategize to break the partnership between Rahmat and Shahidi early on day four to regain control of the match. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will aim to surpass Zimbabwe’s total and establish a competitive contest.
Here’s how fans reacted:
Rahmat Shah once again shows the class act that he is. Siddiq and he will be important players for Afg in the Champions Cup. #ZimvsAfg
-Srinath (@srinathb) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to Rahmat Shah and Hashmat Shahidi on a record-breaking partnership to get Afghanistan back in the game. Afghanistan should continue until tea tomorrow to put pressure on Zim.@RahmatShah_08 @Hashmat_50 pic.twitter.com/oySoUPBvx2
— Taj Malik Alam (@TajMalokAlam) December 28, 2024
𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃! @RahmatShah_08 He is putting in a brilliant batting performance as he put up a stunning hundred in the ongoing Test match against Zimbabwe.
A hit show to remember for a very long time, Shah Ji! #Afghanistan Atalan | #ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/WdwOZb6OCl
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 28, 2024
Calm, composed and calculated! Unbelievable, unbelievable only those who are always reliable @RahmatShah_08.
Mashallah, great batting performance, Shah ji! Keep them coming. pic.twitter.com/8nzqsQnOGe
– Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) December 28, 2024
Meanwhile, Rahmat Shah and Shahidi fought all day in Bulawayo. crazy. #ZimvAfg
– Saresh Saha (@CricSar) December 28, 2024
Excellent strike from Shah Ji!! Keep your nerves calm. Hopefully we can play Test series against England and New Zealand next. @RahmatShah_08 pic.twitter.com/eMy9biM2ix
– Ibrahim. (@TheKabulWala) December 28, 2024
Wow, Rehmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi have stitched a 350 meter long operating platform.
Double ton for Rahmat Shah
– Mayank (@ImMayankB) December 28, 2024
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi talks about his second Test century!
He was unbeaten on 131, sharing a 303-run partnership with Rahmat Shah.
His second ton against Zimbabwe, showing off his prowess! #AFGvZIM #Hashmat Allah is my martyr pic.twitter.com/bCAbMKltNe
– Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) December 28, 2024
The match hung in the balance nicely as Afghanistan were able to bowl throughout the day, ending the third day with a score of 425/2, trailing Zimbabwe by 161 runs.#ZIMvAFG #Visit Zimbabwe https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/tilcuRNEDG
– Cricket in Zimbabwe (@ZimCricketv) December 28, 2024
2⃣Second Test hundred for Rahmat Shah #crickettwitter #ZIMvAFG #Rahmatshah #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/1S8M7G0cjF
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024