Rain had the final say on Day 4 of the first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in Bulawayo, as only 31 overs of play were possible. With the match heading towards a draw, Afghanistan trail Zimbabwe’s massive first-innings total of 586 by 71 runs, with seven wickets in hand.
The day began with Afghanistan resuming at 515/2, courtesy of the marathon 364-run third-wicket partnership between Rahmat Shah and Hashmatullah Shahidi. The stand, which is now the eighth-highest for the third wicket in men’s Test cricket, was finally broken early in the day. Debutant left-arm seamer Newman Nyamhuri claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Rahmat for 234. The batter edged an expansive drive to gully in just the second over, adding only three runs to his overnight score.
A rain-affected Day 4
Shahidi, unbeaten on 179, steadied the innings alongside Afsar Zazai. The latter, batting on 46, is in sight of his maiden Test half-century. Together, they added an unbroken 87 runs for the fourth wicket, with Shahidi remaining composed while Zazai displayed more aggression.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Nyamhuri and Blessing Muzarabani, found some assistance in the morning session with seam movement and occasional bounce. However, Shahidi and Zazai remained cautious, dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary. Zazai’s attacking strokes included a pulled six off Sean Williams and a few elegant drives through the off-side.
The first session ended with Afghanistan adding 73 runs, but post-lunch play was cut short by ominous weather. Shahidi drove a boundary off the second ball after the break, but only two overs were bowled before lightning and thunder forced the players off the field. Heavy rain followed, and despite the ground staff’s efforts, no further play was possible.
Stumps were called earlier, with rain continuing to dominate the day. With only one day remaining and further interruptions likely, the match appeared to be headed for a draw. Both teams will now look to the final day, hoping to make the most of whatever play is possible.
