Zim Vs Afg 16.webp.webp

Fans react as Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi's marathon stand revives Afghanistan's hopes against Zimbabwe on Day 3 of the Bulawayo Test



Afghanistan started the third day at 95/2, trailing Zimbabwe by a massive 491 runs. The pressure was on their batsmen to deliver a resilient performance against a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack. Rising to the occasion, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi he built a marathon partnership that not only anchored Afghanistan's innings but also showcased their grit and skill at Test level. At stumps, Afghanistan have reached an impressive 425/2, trailing by just 161 runs with Rahmat and Shahidi firmly in control.

Rahmat Shah's highest double century

Rahmat was the standout player, producing an unbeaten 231, one of the most important Test innings in the history of Afghanistan cricket. Facing 416 deliveries, his innings was a master class in patience and shot selection. Rahmat's ability to convert strike and dispatch loose deliveries kept the Zimbabwean bowlers under constant pressure. His blistering innings, including 23 boundaries and three sixes, marked his dominance at the promotion. Rahmat also showed remarkable concentration, with his milestone moments – reaching 100 off 198 balls and later 200 off 371 balls – punctuating innings of great maturity. Rahmat 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 didn't play the Boxing Day test

Hashmatullah Shahidi's fine support is the anchor of Afghanistan

Shahidi complemented Rahmat well with a steady 141 not out off 276 balls. While Rahmat played the role of the attacker, Shahidi was the anchor of the partnership, showing his strong style and temperament. His knock included 16 boundaries, with his fifty coming off 108 balls and his century off 201 deliveries. Shahidi's ability to stay in the crease for long periods allowed Afghanistan to rebuild after early losses Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik. Together, Rahmat and Shahidi put on an unbroken partnership of 361 runs for the third wicket, a very successful stand for Afghanistan in Test cricket.

Zimbabwean bowling is struggling on a smooth path

The Zimbabwean bowlers worked hard on the flat Bulawayo surface which did not help much. Muzarabani's blessing and Trevor Gwandu he managed to claim early wickets, but the attack had not penetrated to trouble Rahmat and Shahidi. Sean Williams and Brandon's problem long spells of bowling without success, as Afghanistan took advantage of the conditions. The hosts' inability to mount a comeback or generate a comeback made it easier for the Afghan batters, who batted with incredible discipline and determination.

With two days left and Afghanistan trailing by just 161 runs, the game is very interesting. Zimbabwe will try to regroup and strategize to break the Rahmat-Shahidi partnership early on Day 4 to regain control of the match. Afghanistan, on the other hand, will aim to surpass Zimbabwe's total and set up a competitive tournament.

Here's how fans reacted:

Also Watch: Sam Konstas hilariously teases Indian fans by imitating Virat Kohli's shoulder-boat during MCG Test





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