NEW DELHI: Rahmat Shah‘s remarkable innings of 231 not out and his record-breaking partnership of 361 runs with Hashmatullah Shahidi highlighted the third day’s play in the first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe.
The duo’s resilience and determination were on full display as they batted through the entire day, leaving the Zimbabwean bowlers toiling without success.
Shah’s innings was a testament to his skill and concentration, as he faced 416 deliveries, hitting three sixes and 23 fours in his record-breaking knock.
His previous highest score of 102 against Bangladesh in 2019 was eclipsed, and he surpassed Shahidi’s previous Afghan record of 200 not out, set three years ago against the same opposition.
Shahidi, the Afghan captain, complemented Shah’s efforts with an equally impressive innings of 141 not out, his second Test century. The pair’s unbroken partnership of 361 runs showcased their ability to grind down the opposition and seize control of the match.
Zimbabwe, who had posted a formidable total of 586 after winning the toss and batting first, found themselves on the back foot as their six-man bowling attack struggled to make inroads.
Despite the introduction of two Test debutants, the hosts were guilty of wayward bowling and sloppy fielding, allowing the Afghan batsmen to capitalize on their mistakes.
As the day drew to a close, Afghanistan had amassed 425 for the loss of two wickets, trailing Zimbabwe’s first-innings total by 161 runs.
With two days remaining in the Test, the match is delicately poised, and both teams will be vying for the upper hand in what promises to be an enthralling conclusion to this historic encounter.
