Afghanistan Creates History with Record Partnership in Zimbabwe Test
Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi have established a record partnership during their Test match in Bulawayo, setting Afghanistan’s highest ever Test partnership at 361 runs. This match has seen a total of 1011 runs on the board, with both teams displaying formidable batting capabilities amid a flat pitch. Zimbabwe has also scored historically with Sean Williams and Craig Irvine contributing significantly.
Records were shattered in Bulawayo as Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi set a new benchmark for the nation’s highest Test partnership during their extraordinary batting display. Following Zimbabwe’s record score of 586, Afghanistan responded impressively, concluding Day 3 at 2/425. Shah remained unbeaten on 231, and Shahidi on 141. This partnership of 361 runs stands as the second-highest ever recorded for the third wicket in Zimbabwe and places the Afghan duo among the elite in Test cricket history.
Throughout this match, the pair marked their names in history, being among only eight partnerships in the century to bat an entire day without losing a wicket. Shah’s score of 231 is a record for Afghanistan, matching the achievements of his partner, who also boasts a double century in his accountability. The flat pitch at Queens Sports Club has ensured a run-rich contest, decreasing the likelihood of a decisive outcome with both teams striving for accolades rather than Championship points.
In addition to the Afghan duo’s standout performance, Zimbabwe’s Sean Williams and Craig Irvine contributed significantly with scores of 154 and 104 respectively, while young all-rounder Brian Bennett added a rapid 110 not out. Despite fierce competition, both sides are showcasing exceptional batting in a tightly contested match that appears set to continue to yield runs rather than wickets.
The ongoing Test match between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe marks a significant event in the cricketing landscape, particularly as both nations seek to enhance their international standing amidst fierce competition. This series follows Afghanistan’s recent successes over Zimbabwe in T20s and ODIs, hinting at their growing prowess. The current Test has witnessed remarkable batting, with one partnership rewriting records quickly after Zimbabwe hit their highest score in Test cricket, highlighting a trend of exceptional batting performances on a flat wicket that seems to favor the batsmen.
In conclusion, the Test match in Bulawayo has provided a platform for history-making performances from Afghanistan, particularly by Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi, who have set records for partnerships while facing a flat pitch that has favored run accumulation. With Zimbabwe also showcasing strong batting, this match serves as a testament to the evolving skills within these teams, suggesting that more records may yet be established as the match progresses into its later days.
Original Source: www.foxsports.com.au
