Afghanistan started the third day with 95/2, leaving Zimbabwe behind by 491 runs. Pressure was put on the batsmen to put up a consistent performance against a disciplined Zimbabwe bowling attack. rise to the occasion, Rehmat Shah and Hashemtullah Shahidi Apart from stabilizing Afghanistan’s innings, he also built a marathon partnership that showcased his mettle and skill at the Test level. According to the masses, Afghanistan are a staggering 425/2, trailing by just 161 runs He controlled Rehmat and Shahidi firmly.
Rehmat Shah’s record breaking double century
Rehmat was the standout performer, making an unbeaten 231, one of the most significant Test innings in Afghanistan’s cricketing history. Facing 416 deliveries, his innings was a masterclass in patience and shot selection. Rahmat’s ability to rotate the strike and send loose deliveries kept the Zimbabwean bowlers under constant pressure. His incisive strokeplay, which included 23 boundaries and three sixes, highlighted his dominance at the crease. Rahmat also showed great concentration, with his landmark moments – his 100 off 198 balls and then his 200 off 371 balls – showing great maturity. Rehmat joined an elite club by becoming the second Afghan batsman after Shahidi to score a double century in Tests.
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The strong support of Hashemtullah Shahid anchors Afghanistan
Shahidi Rahmat finished brilliantly with an unbeaten 141 off 276 balls. While Rehmat played the aggressor, Shahidi anchored the partnership by showcasing her vocal technique and personality. His innings consisted of 16 boundaries, his fifty off 108 balls and his century off 201 shots. Shahidi’s ability to occupy 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 record for Afghanistan in Test cricket.
Bowling in Zimbabwe is struggling on the straight
The Zimbabwean bowlers worked hard on a flat Bulawayo surface that offered little help. Blessed Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu managed to claim early wickets but the attack did not penetrate to trouble Rahmat and Shahid. Sean Williams and The Brandon Problem Afghanistan did not succeed in the long overs as they took advantage of the conditions. The home side’s inability to create reverse swing or pull off the turn made it easier for the Afghan batsmen, who batted with great discipline and intent.
With two days remaining and Afghanistan trailing by just 161 runs, the match is shaping up to be interesting. Zimbabwe will look 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 aim to surpass Zimbabwe’s total and set up a competitive contest.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Rehmat Shah shows his class act once again. He and Sediq will be important players for Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy. #ZimvsAfg
— Srinath (@srinathb) December 28, 2024
Congratulations to both Rehmat Shah and Heshmat Shahid for their record partnership to bring Afghanistan back into the game. Afghanistan should continue till tea tomorrow so that zim can apply some pressure.@RahmatShah_08 @Hashmat_50 pic.twitter.com/oySoUPBvx2
— Taj Malik Alam (@TajMalokAlam) December 28, 2024
𝐃𝐎𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐄 𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐄𝐃! 💯💯@RahmatShah_08 In the ongoing test match against Zimbabwe, he puts in a spectacular batting performance as he hits an incredible double hundred. 🙌🤩
A hit screen that will be remembered for a long, long time, Shah G! 👏#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/WdwOZb6OCl
– Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) December 28, 2024
Calm, composed and calculated! Incredible, incredible from the ever reliable @RahmatShah_08.
MA SHA ALLAH, fantastic batting performance, Shah G! Keep them coming. 🤩👏🙌 pic.twitter.com/8nzqsQnOGe
— Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) December 28, 2024
Meanwhile, Rehmat Shah and Shahidi fought all day in Bulawayo. crazy #ZimvAfg
— Saresh Saha (@CricSar) December 28, 2024
Great tattoo by Shah G!! He kept his temper. I hope we can play a test series against England and New Zealand next. @RahmatShah_08 pic.twitter.com/eMy9biM2ix
– Ibrahim 🇦🇫 (@TheKabulWala) December 28, 2024
Wow, Rehmat Shah and Hashemtullah Shahidi built a 350 run stand.
Two tons for Rahmat Shah
— Mayank (@ImMayankB) December 28, 2024
Captain Hashemtullah Shahidi brings up his 2nd Test century!
He was unbeaten on 131, sharing a 303-run partnership with Rahmat Shah.
Shows his mastery with his 2nd ton against Zimbabwe! #AFGvZIM #Hashmetullah Shahidi pic.twitter.com/bCAbMKltNe
– Muhammad Areeb Uddin Sheikh. #AreebCricketWorld (@areeb_7official) December 28, 2024
The game is very much in the balance as Afghanistan manage to bat throughout the day, ending day 3 at 425/2, 161 runs behind Zimbabwe.#ZIMvAFG Visit #Zimbabwe 📝 https://t.co/HCDfKNlkKl pic.twitter.com/tilcuRNEDG
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) December 28, 2024
2️⃣nd Test hundred Rahmat Shah 👏🏏#CricketTwitter #ZIMvAFG #rahmatshah #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/1S8M7G0cjF
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 28, 2024
