Shahidi’s 179* Keeps Afghanistan in Control on Rain-Disrupted Day

Rain disrupted play on the fourth day in Bulawayo, limiting the action to just 31 overs as the first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan appeared destined for a draw. Zimbabwe broke the massive 364-run third-wicket partnership between Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, both of whom had batted through the entire third day. Rahmat fell for 234, adding just three runs to his overnight score before debutant left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri, who claimed his maiden Test wicket, had him caught at gully.

Shahidi was still at the crease, unbeaten on 179, while Afsar Zazai, on 46, was closing in on his maiden Test half-century. The pair had shared an unbroken 87-run stand for the fourth wicket. Rahmat’s dismissal came in the second over of the day when he drove at a wide delivery from Nyamhuri and edged it to Ben Curran, ending the eighth-highest third-wicket partnership in men’s Test history. Despite the seam movement and occasional extra bounce from both Nyamhuri and Blessing Muzarabani, Shahidi and Zazai remained resolute. Shahidi reached 150 in the 131st over, clipping Nyamhuri to fine leg, while both quicks kept their lines tight.

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Zazai’s Boundaries Spark Afghanistan’s Fight, Rain Cuts Play Short

The first boundary of the day came in the 137th over when Trevor Gwandu angled one across to Shahidi, who drove beautifully through the gap between cover and mid-off. From there, it was Zazai who found the boundary with regularity, while Shahidi remained composed at the other end.

Three overs later, Zazai struck his first boundary, a crisp drive through midwicket off a short delivery from Sean Williams. In the 141st over, Zazai lashed out at a full, wide delivery from Gwandu, sending it flying over gully for four. Two overs later, he cut Gwandu for another boundary, taking his partnership with Shahidi past fifty. Zazai then launched a pull shot over square leg off Williams for his only six. Sensing Zazai’s momentum, Zimbabwe slowed the game down with Muzarabani, Brandon Mavuta, and Brian Bennett. Afghanistan managed just 14 runs from the next seven overs, which marked the end of the morning session.

Shahidi opened the post-lunch session with a drive to deep extra cover for four, but only two more overs were possible before rain intervened. As ominous grey clouds gathered, the umpires halted play at 12:53 pm, anticipating a heavy downpour. The rain arrived shortly after. An hour later, as the ground staff began removing the covers, another downpour began, and the relentless rain led to stumps being called at 4:35 pm.

BBL Return Uncertain After Injury Setback

Australia’s spare Test batter and wicketkeeper, Josh Inglis, has been ruled out of the final Test against India in Sydney after suffering a low-grade calf strain while sub-fielding during the fourth Test at the MCG. The injury also casts doubt on his availability for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) matches, as he is expected to be managed ahead of Australia’s Test tour of Sri Lanka in late January. Inglis had been filling in as a sub fielder for day three, sharing duties with spare bowler Sean Abbott, after allrounder Beau Webster was released to play in the BBL.

Cricket Australia confirmed Inglis’ injury and announced that he would be released from the Test squad and officially ruled out of the Sydney Test. Although he was unlikely to play in the final Test barring injury to the playing XI, Inglis is expected to be fit for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka. His strong record against spin makes him a strong contender to make his Test debut in Galle, where he could be selected as a specialist batter.

Inglis’ injury is also a setback for the Perth Scorchers. He had been allowed to play in two of their first four BBL matches against the Hobart Hurricanes and Melbourne Renegades, as these games fell between the third and fourth Tests. However, with only 22 days left to recover before the Australian Test squad departs for the UAE to prepare for the Sri Lanka tour, Inglis faces a tight recovery window.

As a result of Inglis’ injury, CA will announce a replacement batter for the Sydney Test. This development could pave the way for Nathan McSweeney to return to the squad, as he can bat in multiple positions, despite having been dropped in favor of Sam Konstas ahead of the Boxing Day Test. Webster remains in the squad and is available for selection, despite his ongoing BBL commitments. Meanwhile, fast bowling cover remains intact with Jhye Richardson and Abbott, with some concerns over Mitchell Starc’s back pain, although Starc confirmed on day four that he was fit to bowl.