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Rahmat Shah’s 234 and Shahidi’s Century Steer Afghanistan to Strong Position

Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi made history, batting out an entire day of Test cricket to lead Afghanistan’s strong response to Zimbabwe’s 586. Rahmat scored a record-breaking 234, while Shahidi contributed a composed 171*.

Introduction:

Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi wrote history on the third day of the Test against Zimbabwe at Bulawayo, batting out the entire day without losing their wickets. The historic duo’s monumental partnership and individual records underscored a dominant display as Afghanistan bounced back strongly in reply to Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 586. See also: Bumrah’s Magic Spell Sets Up Thrilling Boxing Day Test Day 4

Rahmat’s stellar knock of 234, the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in Test cricket, and Shahidi’s unbeaten 179 propelled Afghanistan to 515 for 3, leaving them few runs behind with ample time to push for a first-innings lead.

Rahmat Shah
Image Source: ACB

Historic Partnership

Nearly a century after England’s Jack Hobbs and Herbert Sutcliffe first achieved the feat, Rahmat and Shahidi joined the elite club of pairs who have batted out an entire day of Test cricket. Their unbeaten 330-run stand across 95 overs shattered Afghanistan’s record for the highest Test partnership, previously set at 364.

The pair showed great control and determination, negotiating Zimbabwe’s bowling on a pitch that offered little challenge at Queens Sports Club, a ground that does not favor the bowlers much.

Rahmat Shah
Image Source: ACB

Rahmat Shah’s Record-Breaking Innings

Rahmat Shah was the hero of the day, scoring 234 in a marathon innings that not only cemented his place in the world of cricket for Afghanistan but also marked his technical class and ability to build on a long innings. That innings involved a range of elegant boundaries, particularly off the back foot as he punished anything short or overpitched.

The journey to his double century was not without challenges. Rahmat survived several close calls, including dropped catches at first slip, long-on, and in the deep. Zimbabwe’s bowlers, despite glimpses of discipline, failed to capitalize on these chances.

Rahmat brought his double century with a masterful drive through mid-on, intent clear till the very end. His effort broke Shahidi’s 2021 effort of 200* set at the time, thereby becoming Afghanistan’s highest Test score.

Rahmat Shah
Image Source: ACB

Shahidi’s Steady Ton

The foil to Rahmat’s aggression was Hashmatullah Shahidi, the Afghanistan captain. Rahmat kept the scoreboard ticking with boundaries and strike rotation, but at the other end, Shahidi anchored the innings, keeping things stable.

Shahidi scored his second Test century with a calculated single and stayed unbeaten at 179 at close of play. Shahidi’s calculated approach mirrored experience and leadership as he kept Zimbabwe’s bowlers at bay all day long.

Rahmat Shah
Image Source: ACB

Zimbabwe’s Day of Missed Opportunities

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Trevor Gwandu, showed glimpses of hope but never looked consistent enough. On a pitch offering little assistance, they struggled to create sustained pressure. The fielders did not help matters either as they dropped at least four chances off Rahmat’s bat and did not make the most of several half-chances.

Rahmat Shah
Image Source: ACB

The part-time spinners, including Sean Williams and Brandon Mavuta, did little to change the situation as Afghanistan’s batters kept their dominance intact. The unusual field settings introduced during the final session did not work in disrupting the concentration of the visitors.

Day Three Key Moments

Rahmat’s Double Century: Rahmat’s historic 200 was completed in style as he hit a majestic boundary that will always be etched in the record books of Afghanistan’s top Test scorer.

Rahmat Shah
Image Source: ACB

The 300-Run Partnership: The pair brought up the milestone partnership with another commanding boundary, setting a new record for Afghanistan.

Shahidi’s Composed Century: The skipper’s ton added stability to Afghanistan’s innings and showcased his ability to lead from the front.

Zimbabwe’s Missed Chances: Dropped catches and lapses in the field highlighted a frustrating day for Zimbabwe.

The Road Ahead

As the match enters the fourth day, Afghanistan remains well-positioned to challenge Zimbabwe’s mammoth first-innings total. Despite the loss of Rahmat Shah early on day four, Shahidi is steadily marching toward his second double century. With Zazai settling in at the crease and seam movement starting to become evident, Afghanistan’s batters will aim to reduce the deficit and push for a lead.

The lunch break sees Afghanistan still 71 runs behind, with Shahidi unbeaten on 179 and Zazai nearing his maiden Test fifty. The post-lunch session promises to deliver more drama as Afghanistan eyes a strong finish to their innings.

Author

  • Ideapot

    Welcome to my world! I'm Goutam Kumar Dutta, the brains behind this platform. As an author and the proud owner of this site, I'm on a mission to bring you the latest and most intriguing sports news from various genres. But it's not just about sports - entertainment in all its forms also captivates my interest. Whether it's analyzing the latest match or delving into the world of entertainment, I strive to provide comprehensive coverage and valuable insights.

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