A spectacular milestone was achieved by Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah during the Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe, as he became only the second Afghan batsman to score a double century in Test cricket. His incredible innings of 234 runs not only showcased his prowess but also etched his name into Afghanistan’s cricket history.
Facing 424 balls, Shah’s marathon innings was decorated with 23 fours and 3 sixes. With this, he surpassed all previous individual innings records for Afghanistan, becoming the highest run-scorer for the nation in Test cricket. His performance brought Afghanistan closer to Zimbabwe’s mammoth first-innings total of 586 runs.
Match Overview: Zimbabwe Sets a High Bar
Zimbabwe batted first and posted an imposing 586 runs on the scoreboard, thanks to stellar centuries from three players. Captain Craig Ervine led the charge, while Sean Williams stole the show with a blazing 154 off 174 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes. Brain Bennett added to the tally with an unbeaten 110, helping Zimbabwe achieve a record-breaking score.
Afghanistan’s Reply: Rahmat Shah and Shahidi Shine
In response, Afghanistan delivered a robust performance, ending Day 4 at 515/3, trailing Zimbabwe by just 71 runs. Rahmat Shah stood tall with his double century, partnering effectively with captain Hashmatullah Shahidi. After Shah’s dismissal, Shahidi continued to anchor the innings, reaching his century as Afghanistan crossed the 500-run mark.
Rahmat Shah’s Record-Breaking Feat
Rahmat Shah’s knock not only made him the second Afghan batsman to score a double century in Tests but also solidified his reputation as a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s batting lineup. The first Afghan batsman to achieve this feat was Hashmatullah Shahidi, who scored an unbeaten 200 against Zimbabwe in 2021.
Rahmat’s innings exhibited patience and grit, a testament to his ability to perform on the grandest stages. His knock also brought hope for Afghanistan in a match that appeared to be heading toward a draw.
Key Performances
- Rahmat Shah: 234 runs off 424 balls (23 fours, 3 sixes)
- Hashmatullah Shahidi: Continued with a strong century after Shah’s dismissal.
- Sean Williams (Zimbabwe): 154 runs off 174 balls, leading Zimbabwe’s charge.
- Brain Bennett (Zimbabwe): An unbeaten 110 to bolster the team’s total.
At stumps on Day 4, Afghanistan stands at 515/3, with hopes of leveling or surpassing Zimbabwe’s total on the final day. The match has provided an excellent platform for batsmen from both sides, though a draw seems likely given the limited time remaining.
