Rahmat Shah struck 139 in Bulawayo on Saturday to revive Afghanistan hopes of winning a series-deciding second test against Zimbabwe before rain stopped play late on day three.
The experienced 31-year-old put on 132 for the seventh wicket with debutant Ismat Alam (64 not out) to turn a worrying overnight situation into a potential path to victory.
Afghanistan were 46-3 in their second innings after day two at Queens Sports Club, 40 runs behind having lost star batter and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi (13).
𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝟯 - 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟯: Zimbabwe get the breakthrough! 🔥
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) January 4, 2025
The 119-run partnership is broken by Blessing Muzarabani, who gets Rahmat Shah (139).#ZIMvAFG #VisitZimbabwe 📝https://t.co/HdHfDCXyud pic.twitter.com/7E9RQ7nuuF
Much hinged on Shah, a double centurion in the drawn first test, and he proved equal to the task as Afghanistan reached 291-7 by the close of play for a 205-run lead.
Put in to bat after losing the toss, Afghanistan made 157 and Zimbabwe built an 86-run first innings advantage by posting 243.
Shah faced 275 balls over two days, having come in at No 3 with the tourists reeling at 18-2 in the southern city.
He performed patiently throughout, offering few chances to an increasingly frustrated Zimbabwe attack, and struck 14 fours in a 401-minute stand.
Another day, yet another brilliant hundred from @RahmatShah_08. Standing tall and extending his best when the team needs it the most. 👏💯
— Hakim Ahmadzai (@HAhmadzai10) January 4, 2025
Congratulations and very well done, Shah G! Keep sweating them out; we need you to hang in for a little while more out there. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/z1HdJBB0KY
His innings ended shortly before the rain. A pacey, good length ball from the most successful Zimbabwe bowler, quick Blessing Muzarabani, beat Shah and he was trapped leg before.
Unbeaten Alam followed the cautious approach of Shah, hitting four fours off 122 balls as he atoned for a first-innings duck.
Zia-ur-Rehman (6), Afsar Zazai (5) and Shahidullah Kamal (22) were the other Afghan batters to fall on day three, as both teams seek a first test win since beating each other in 2021.
Rahmat Shah gets his hundred vs Zimbabwe. IMO this is much better than his 200 pic.twitter.com/KXtSCmAZHx
— Sports Spotlight (@SSpotlight71) January 4, 2025
Brian Bennett caught Rehman at short fine leg, a brilliant catch by Dion Myers at backward point dismissed Zazai and a Shahidullah prod was snapped up by Takudzwanashe Kaitano at silly point.
Muzarabani (4-71) and fellow quick Richard Ngarava (2-47) fared best for Zimbabwe on a surface that has become increasingly batter friendly after initially favouring the bowlers.
Brief scores
Afghanistan 157 in 44.3 overs (Rashid Khan 25; Sikandar Raza 3-30, Newman Nyamhuri 3-42) and 291-7 in 91 overs (Rahmat Shah 139, Ismat Alam 64 not out; Blessing Muzarabani 4-71, Richard Ngarava 2-47) v Zimbabwe 243 in 73.3 overs (Craig Ervine 75, Sikandar Raza 61, Sean Williams 49; Rashid Khan 4-94, Yamin Ahmadzai 3-62). Rain stopped play
Match situation: Afghanistan lead by 205 runs
Toss: Zimbabwe