Rain stops play as Afghanistan near Zimbabwe’s total on Day 4

Rain-Shortened Day 4: Afghanistan Close in on Zimbabwe’s Mammoth First-Innings Total

Day 4 of the first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe in Bulawayo was dominated by rain, allowing only 31 overs of play. Despite the interruptions, Afghanistan continued to chip away at Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 586, ending the day on 515/3—just 71 runs behind.

The day began with Afghanistan resuming at 425/2, with Rahmat Shah (234*) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (179*) continuing their marathon stand of 364 runs. However, their partnership ended early when debutant Newman Nyamhuri claimed Rahmat Shah’s wicket for 234. The batter edged a wide delivery and was caught in the gully, leaving Afghanistan at 428/3.

Shahidi, undeterred, carried on alongside Afsar Zazai, who contributed a brisk 46* in a steady partnership. Zazai struck a six off Sean Williams and added three boundaries, guiding Afghanistan past the 500-run mark. Shahidi, meanwhile, reached 150 for the second time in his Test career, showcasing remarkable composure and skill.

By Lunch, Afghanistan had reached 507/3, with Shahidi and Zazai well set. However, the weather intervened shortly after the break. Shahidi added eight more runs to his tally before rain halted play for good.

As Day 5 approaches, Afghanistan will need 71 more runs to eclipse Zimbabwe’s total, with Shahidi on 187* eyeing a double century and Zazai just four runs shy of his half-century. The visitors will be aiming to seize control on the final day, weather permitting.