Afghanistan The third day started at 95/2 with Zimbabwe trailing by a massive 491 runs. The pressure was on the batsmen to put up a resilient performance against a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling attack. Rise up according to the situation, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi Not only did they stabilize Afghanistan’s innings, they forged a marathon partnership that showcased their grit and skill at Test level. By stumps, Afghanistan had reached an impressive 425/2. We are behind by 161 points. Rahmat and Shahidi are firmly in control.
Rahmat Shah’s record double century
Rahmat performed brilliantly, scoring an unbeaten 231 in one of the most important Test innings in the history of Afghanistan cricket. Facing 416 deliveries, his innings was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. Rahmat’s ability to rotate the strike and deliver loose deliveries kept the Zimbabwean bowlers under constant pressure. His crisp strokeplay, which included 23 boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his dominance at the crease. Rahmat also capped an innings of immense maturity, displaying incredible concentration with breakthrough moments of reaching 100 off 198 balls and 200 off 371 balls later. Rahmat joined the elite club by becoming the second Afghanistan batsman after Shahidi to score a double century in Tests.
ALSO READ: ZIM vs AFG: Here’s why Rashid Khan won’t play the Boxing Day Test
Hashmatullah Shahidi’s solid support sustains Afghanistan
Shahidi complemented Rahmat nicely with a steady 141 off 276 balls. While Rahmat played the role of attacker, Shahidi strengthened the partnership by showing his sound skills and temperament. His knock included 16 boundaries, his 50 off 108 balls and his century of 201 balls. Shahidi’s ability to occupy the crease for extended periods of time allowed Afghanistan to rebuild after initial losses. Sedicula Attal and Abdul Malik. Together, Rahmat and Shahidi put together a relentless 361-run partnership for the third wicket, a record stand for Afghanistan in Test cricket.
Zimbabwe’s bowling struggles on flat tracks.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked hard on a flat Bulawayo surface that offered little help. Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu Despite taking early wickets, the attack lacked penetration which plagued Rahmat and Shahidi. Sean Williams and Brandon Mabuta Afghanistan took advantage of the situation and had a long spell without success. The hosts’ inability to generate counter-swing or extract turns made the task easier for the Afghanistan batsmen, who batted with remarkable discipline and intent.
With two days left and Afghanistan trailing by 161 runs, the match is shaping up to be interesting. Zimbabwe will look to regroup and strategize to break the Rahmat-Shahidi partnership early in the fourth day to regain control of the game. Afghanistan, on the other hand, aims to compete against Zimbabwe.
Here’s the fans’ reaction:
Rahmat Shah once again shows his class act. Sediq and he will be an important player for Afg in the Champions Trophy. #ZimvsAfg
— Srinath (@srinathb) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to both Rahmat Shah and Hashmat shahidi for their record-breaking partnership to get Afghanistan back in the game. Afghanistan will have to keep the pressure on Jim until tomorrow tea .@RahmatShah_08 @Hashmat_50 pic.twitter.com/oySoUPBvx2
— Taj Malok Alam (@TajMalokAlam) December 28, 2024
𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃! 💯💯@RahmatShah_08 In the ongoing Test match against Zimbabwe, he delivered an incredible batting performance, hitting a stunning double hundred. 🙌🙌
Shaji, a batting match that will be remembered for a long time! 👏#Afghanistan Atalan | #ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/WdwOZb6OCl
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 28, 2024
Calm, collected and calculating! This is an incredibly, incredibly, incredibly reliable product. @RahmatShah_08.
MA SHA ALLAH, fantastic batting performance, Sha G! Please keep coming. 😍👏🙌 pic.twitter.com/8nzqsQnOGe
— Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) December 28, 2024
Meanwhile, Rahmat Shah and Shahidi batted all day in Bulawayo. Insanity. #ZimvAfg
— Saresh Saha (@CricSar) December 28, 2024
Excellent knock by Shah G!! It kept his nerves calm. I hope we can play a Test series against England and New Zealand next. @RahmatShah_08 pic.twitter.com/eMy9biM2ix
– yes. 🇦🇫 (@TheKabulWala) December 28, 2024
Wow, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi stitched a 350-run stand.
Double tone for Rahmat Shah🔥
— Mayank (@ImMayankB) December 28, 2024
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi scores his second Test century!
He shares a 303-run partnership with Rahmat Shah and is unbeaten on 131.
A two-ton difference against Zimbabwe, showing off his mastery! #AFGvZIM #HashimatullahShahidi pic.twitter.com/bCAbMKltNe
— Muhammad Alib Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld(@areeb_7official) December 28, 2024
The match was well-balanced with Afghanistan batting throughout the day, ending the third day at 425/2, 161 runs behind Zimbabwe.#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/tilcuRNEDG
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 28, 2024
2️⃣2nd exam by Rahmat Shah 👏🏏#CricketTwitter #ZIMvAFG #Ramatshah #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/1S8M7G0cjF
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
