Rain Stops Play as Afghanistan near Zimbabwe’s Total on Day 4

Afghanistan inched closer to Zimbabwe’s first-innings total on a rain-impacted Day 4, with only 31 overs of play possible in the first match of the two-match Test series on Sunday.

Despite a frustrating halt to play to Day 4 due to rain, Afghanistan made steady progress, ending the day on 515/3, just 71 runs behind Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 586.

The day began with Afghanistan at 425/2, with Rahmat Shah (234*) and Hashmatullah Shahidi (179*) resuming their marathon partnership of 364 runs.

However, the duo could only add three runs before debutant Newman Nyamhuri struck, dismissing Rahmat Shah.

The Afghanistan batter edged a drive outside his body and was caught in the gully, leaving the visitors at 428/3.

Also See: Afghanistan’s Rahmat Shah Hits Record 231 Runs in Test Comeback

Despite the early breakthrough, Afghanistan kept the scoreboard ticking. Afsar Zazai joined Shahidi, and together, they formed a crucial half-century stand, guiding Afghanistan past the 500-run mark.

Zazai even hit a six off Sean Williams and collected three boundaries in a solid display. As the pair went to Lunch at 507/3, Afghanistan appeared well on course for a substantial reply.

Shahidi reached 150 for the second time in his Test career and looked poised for a potential double hundred. Zazai, on 46*, was four runs away from his half-century as both players seemed comfortable in their innings.

The afternoon session brought a brief period of play as Shahidi added eight more runs to his tally before rain forced the players off the field.

Despite attempts to resume, the incessant downpour meant that the umpires had no choice but to call off play for the day, leaving Afghanistan on 515/3 at Stumps.

With Day 5 approaching, Afghanistan will need 71 more runs to surpass Zimbabwe’s first-innings score, with Shahidi and Zazai still at the crease and looking to push the game forward.

This news is sourced from [Geo Super] and is for informational purposes only.