Rahmat’s Determined Century Boosts Afghanistan’s Lead

Afghanistan ended Day 3 in a strong position, thanks to a resilient batting performance, including Rahmat Shah’s gritty century, his third in Test cricket. The day was marked by an improved display from Afghanistan’s batsmen, who managed to overcome early difficulties, particularly after their challenging first innings. Shah’s contribution stood out as he anchored the […]

Ismat was also crucial, remaining unbeaten on 64 when rain forced early stumps. His knock, combined with Shah’s century, helped Afghanistan seize the advantage in the match. Despite the rain interruption, Afghanistan’s batting improvements gave them hope for further progress in the coming days.

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Afghanistan Fights Back to Extend Lead Despite Zimbabwe’s Breakthroughs

On Day 2, Afghanistan faced a tough situation as they conceded an 86-run first-innings deficit to Zimbabwe. They lost three quick wickets in the second innings and were still far behind, struggling to reduce the deficit. However, on Saturday, Afghanistan showed resilience. Rahmat Shah, supported by Shahidullah and debutant Ismat Aslam, worked hard to stretch Afghanistan’s lead beyond 200, with three wickets still in hand. Just as they began to build momentum, rain forced the early stumps, bringing an abrupt end to the day’s play.

Zimbabwe’s bowlers did manage to make inroads. Blessing Muzarabani added two more wickets to his overnight tally, while Richard Ngarava dismissed the key player Rahmat. Despite the breakthroughs, Zimbabwe faces a steep chase, as Ismat, still at the crease, is a solid anchor. Rashid Khan, with his aggressive style, also provides a threat lower down the order, and Zimbabwe will need to dig deep to contain Afghanistan’s lead. Batting last on this pitch will be a daunting task, especially with Afghanistan now firmly in control.

Afghanistan’s innings revolved around two vital partnerships. The first was a 67-run stand between Rahmat and Shahidullah, which helped Afghanistan take a 50-run lead after two quick wickets in the morning. Rahmat, eager to bat long, started the day with caution, facing 19 balls before scoring his first run. Ngarava dismissed nightwatchman Zia-ur-Rehman and Afsar Zazai, leaving Rahmat to take the initiative. Rahmat capitalized on a couple of bad deliveries from Muzarabani, driving them for boundaries and settling into a confident rhythm.

After a brief rain delay, Rahmat and Shahidullah continued to accumulate runs, keeping the scoreboard ticking with singles and occasional boundaries. Rahmat brought up his half-century off 99 balls, and the pair guided Afghanistan to a 39-run lead at lunch. They remained steady after the break, but in the fourth over after tea, a smart piece of captaincy from Zimbabwe saw Shahidullah dismissed, but by then, Afghanistan had already made significant strides toward a commanding total.

Afghanistan Resilient as Rahmat and Ismat Extend Lead

Zimbabwe thought they had broken through when Craig Ervine placed a silly point fielder as Muzarabani tested Shahidullah outside off. The plan worked, and Shahidullah fended at a length ball, offering an easy catch to Takudzwanashe Kaitano at silly point. This seemed like a breakthrough for Zimbabwe, but Afghanistan’s resilience continued as Ismat, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, took a blow to the helmet from a low Muzarabani bouncer. After several physio check-ups, Ismat continued, and Rahmat survived an lbw shout from Raza, who bowled 23 wicketless overs. Rahmat responded with a lofted boundary and later took a blow to the shoulder from Ngarava, but both players remained unfazed, steadily building Afghanistan’s lead.

Rahmat brought up his century off 209 balls with a single off Nyamhuri, adding to his double century in the first Test. Ismat, who was on 16 off 46 balls at the time, began to accelerate, striking two boundaries off Nyamhuri before tea. Zimbabwe continued with spin after the break, but Raza and Bennett failed to break through or apply enough pressure to stop Afghanistan’s scoring. Despite the spin challenge, Afghanistan’s batting continued to flourish, with Rahmat and Ismat both showing great determination in extending their lead.

When the new ball became available, Zimbabwe had another chance. Ngarava drew an edge from Ismat, but the catch was dropped by Ervine at first slip when Ismat was just three runs short of his half-century. Undeterred, Ismat brought up his half-century in the very next over, a composed knock that further frustrated Zimbabwe’s bowlers. With rain looming, Afghanistan’s lead continued to grow, and Zimbabwe knew they had a steep chase ahead with Afghanistan in a strong position.