New Delhi: Rahmat Shah scored an impressive 139 in Bulawayo on Saturday to significantly boost Afghanistan’s chances of winning the crucial second Test against Zimbabwe.
Shah’s performance gave Afghanistan a glimmer of hope as rain fell on the third day.
Shah combined with debutant Ismat Alam, who scored an unbeaten 64, to form a vital 7-wicket partnership of 132 runs.
On the second day, Afghanistan were in a precarious position, 46 for 3. They fell behind Zimbabwe by 40 runs and lost captain and star batsman Hashmatullah Shahidi for 13 runs.
The responsibility to save the innings fell on Shah, who scored a double century in the drawn first Test. He rose to the challenge, leading Afghanistan to 291 for 7 by the end of the match, taking a substantial lead of 205 runs.
Shah’s patient innings spanned 275 balls and 401 minutes. He got to the point where Afghanistan were struggling at 2-18 and showed remarkable resilience, giving Zimbabwe’s bowlers few chances. His innings included 14 fours.
Our time at Shah’s Crease ended just before the rain started. Blessing Muzarabani, Zimbabwe’s most successful bowler, delivered a good length ball that trapped Shah’s legs in front of the wicket.
Debutant Ismat Alam remained unbeaten on 64, reflecting Shah’s cautious approach. He hit four fours off 122 balls, redeeming himself after being dismissed for a duck in the first innings.
Other Afghanistan batsmen who lost their wickets on day three included Zia-ur-Rehman (6), Afsar Zazai (5) and Shahidullah Kamal (22). Both teams are vying for their first Test win since they won against each other in 2021.
Zia-ur-Rehman was caught by Brian Bennett at short fine leg. Afsar Zazai fell to Dion Myers’ brilliant catch at backward point. Shahidullah Kamal beat a delivery to Takudzwanashe Kaitano at point blank range.
Blessing was the pick of the Zimbabwe bowlers, taking four wickets for 71 runs. Richard Ngarava provided valuable support with figures of 2-47. The pitch, which initially favored bowlers, became batsman friendly as the match progressed.
Brief Score
Afghanistan 157 in 44.3 overs (Rashid Khan 25; Sikandar Raza 3-30, Newman Nyamhuri 3-42) and 291-7 in 91 overs (Rahmat Shah 139, Ismat Alam 64 not out, Blessing Muzarabani 4-71, Richard Ngarava 2) – 47) v Zimbabwe 243, 73.3 overs (Craig Ervine 75, Sikandar Raza 61, Sean Williams 49; Rashid Khan 4-94, Yamin Ahmadzai 3-62). Play suspended due to rain
