ZIM vs AFG: After Rahmat Shah, captain Hashmatullah Shahidi smashes double century for Afghanistan in first Test in Bulawayo

In a historic performance during the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi he achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his second double century, contributing significantly to his team’s fightback. This achievement comes after his teammate Rahmat Shahwho earlier hit his maiden Test double hundred, leading to an unprecedented partnership between the two.

A record partnership between Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi

Rahmat and Shahidi put together a record 364-run stand, which is now the highest partnership for any wicket in Afghanistan’s Test history. His efforts helped Afghanistan recover from a difficult position after Zimbabwe posted a formidable total of 586 runs in their first innings.

At the end of lunch on day 5, Afghanistan were 656 for 4with Shahidi unbeaten on 236 and Shahidullah Kamal the 10

Shahidi’s knock not only set a new Afghan record for individual scores in Test cricket, but also surpassed Rahmat’s previous record of 234, achieved against Zimbabwe on the fourth day of the ongoing Test. He has so far smashed 20 fours during his stint in the middle, showing his dominance at the crease.

With his double century, Shahidi also became the first Afghan player to score two double hundreds in Test cricket, further cementing his status as one of the key figures in Afghanistan’s batting line-up.

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Matching context

The match has turned into a run-fest, with both teams showing off their batting prowess. Zimbabwe, who won the toss and elected to bat first, built a massive total in their first innings; thanks to centuries from Sean Williams (154), Craig Ervine (104) and Brian Bennett (110 not out).

However, the Zimbabwean side struggled to contain the Afghan batsmen, who took advantage of the hosts’ wayward bowling and poor fielding.

Day 5, lunch

Afghanistan: 656/4, lead by 70 runs

Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi: 236*#cricket #ZIMvAFG #HashmatullahShahidi pic.twitter.com/wrlLyIdpHg

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) December 30, 2024

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