Rahmat Shah-Hashmatullah's unprecedented batting puts Afghanistan in the fight

Rahmat Shah-Hashmatullah's unprecedented batting puts Afghanistan in the fight

A remarkable match is currently taking place in Bulawayo, where Afghanistan is delivering an unexpected performance in the Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe. The Afghan batsmen, Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, have achieved an extraordinary feat.

On the third day of the Zimbabwe-Afghanistan Test, 95 overs were completed without a single wicket falling. Both Rahmat and Shahidi batted throughout the day, a rare occurrence that has only been recorded 26 times in the 147-year history of Test cricket.

Consequently, the innings, which began with a score of 95 for 2, has escalated to 425 runs by the end of the third day. Rahmat Shah has become the second Afghan player to reach a double century, while Shahidi is also approaching this milestone. Nevertheless, Afghanistan still trails Zimbabwe by 161 runs.

The duo has established an unbroken third-wicket partnership of 361 runs, marking the highest partnership for Afghanistan at any wicket. With this performance, Rahmat has set a new record for the highest individual score for Afghanistan in Tests, standing at 231 not out, while Shahidi remains at 141 runs.

Rahmat has been fortunate to become the second Afghan cricketer to achieve a double century, having been dropped by Zimbabwean fielders on four occasions, which could have altered the match's dynamics.

Shahidi previously held the record for the only other double century by an Afghan player, having scored an unbeaten 200 against Zimbabwe in 2021. This time, Rahmat has surpassed that achievement.

It is important to note that Zimbabwe, batting first in their initial innings, amassed a total of 586 runs, which stands as the highest score in the team's history. However, despite this substantial total, the hosts find themselves in a precarious position.