Rahmat strikes 173 to edge Afghanis ahead of Zimbabwe: 1st Test, Day 4 (Sharjah)

Rahmat Shah struck a magnificent century as Afghanistan took a narrow first-innings lead on Day 4 of the first Test against Zimbabwe after completing an outstanding batting performance, reaching 514 in reply to Zimbabwe’s 504.

Rahmat Shah posted 173, while Rahmanullah Zadran (113) and Sediqullah Atal (105) also scored centuries. The three major contributions transformed Afghanistan’s position after Zimbabwe had dominated the opening stages. Newman Nyamhuri led the Zimbabwe attack with five wickets for 82, while Graeme Cremer claimed three for 177.

Zimbabwe began their second innings with renewed determination and reached 164 for 3 at stumps, establishing an overall lead of 154 runs. Brendan Taylor continued his excellent form with an aggressive 82 from 88 deliveries, while Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 49.

Zia-ur-Rehman claimed two wickets for Afghanistan, but Zimbabwe recovered sufficiently to put themselves in a promising position. The final day promises an intriguing finish, with the visitors seeking to build a substantial target and Afghanistan needing early wickets.

Zimbabwe 504 and 164 for 3 (Taylor 82, Bennett 49*, Zia-ur-Rehman 2-65) lead Afghanistan 514 (Shah 173, Rahmanullah 113, Atal 105, Nyamhuri 5-82, Cremer 3-177) by 154 runs.

Nov 2026.