BULAWAYO, Zimbabwe — Rahmat Shah smashed Afghanistan’s highest-ever Test score with an unbeaten 231 on Saturday, leading a remarkable fightback against Zimbabwe on the third day of the first Test at Queens Sports Club.
Afghanistan, who resumed at 95 for 2 overnight, ended the day at a commanding 425 for 2, thanks to an unbroken 361-run partnership between Rahmat and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, the nation’s highest stand in Test cricket. Shahidi contributed a composed 141 not out, providing the perfect foil to Rahmat’s record-breaking innings.
Rahmat’s double century surpassed Shahidi’s previous Afghanistan Test record of 200 not out, set against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi in 2021. Displaying remarkable concentration and technical skill, Rahmat faced 416 deliveries, hitting 23 fours and three sixes in a knock that spanned the entire day.
The hosts endured a torrid day in the field, failing to take a single wicket across 95 overs. Dropped catches and inconsistent bowling allowed Afghanistan to steadily chip away at Zimbabwe’s massive first-innings total of 586.
Zimbabwe had built their imposing total thanks to centuries from three players, leaving Afghanistan with a daunting deficit of 395 runs. By stumps on Day 3, Afghanistan had reduced that to just 161 runs, setting up an intriguing final two days.
Afghanistan’s growing test credentials
The partnership between Rahmat and Shahidi marked Afghanistan’s first wicket-less day in Test cricket, a significant milestone for a team still building its Test pedigree. While Rahmat anchored the innings with his patient yet authoritative approach, Shahidi provided steady support, compiling his second Test century with ease.
Rahmat’s innings not only broke national records but also showcased Afghanistan’s resilience in the longest format. As the match heads into Day 4, Afghanistan will aim to continue building their total and put Zimbabwe under pressure in the second innings.
For Zimbabwe, the challenge will be to regroup after a taxing day and find a way to break the partnership that has swung momentum firmly in Afghanistan’s favor.
