When Rahmat Shah, born , smashed 231 not out at Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on December 28, 2024, the cricket world took notice. The innings broke the previous record set by captain Hashmatullah Shahidi, who had held Afghanistan’s highest Test score at 200 not out since December 2021. The match – part of the 2024‑25 Afghanistan‑Zimbabwe Test series – unfolded under the watchful eye of the International Cricket Council, and the duo’s partnership reshaped the series narrative in a single day.
Historical context: Afghanistan’s Test journey
Afghanistan earned Test status in 2017, a milestone that came after years of relentless development overseen by the Afghanistan Cricket Board. Their first double century was Shahidi’s 200* at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on December 2, 2021, a knock that still stands as a benchmark for Afghan batsmen. Prior to the Bulawayo clash, the nation’s highest partnership was a 307‑run stand between Shahidi (136) and former captain Asghar Afghan against the same opposition in the same 2021 series.
Day three drama: Shah’s record‑breaking innings
Zimbabwe, fielding a robust first‑innings total of 586, seemed poised to dominate. Yet Afghanistan’s reply, starting on December 26, turned the tables. By the close of day two, the scoreboard read 95/2, with Shah and Shahidi at the crease. Resuming on day three, Shah, a right‑handed all‑rounder who also bowls leg‑break googly, faced 416 deliveries, struck 23 fours and three sixes, and posted a strike rate of 55.05. His 231* shattered the national record, while Shahidi contributed a solid 141*.
The pair compiled an unbeaten 361‑run partnership by stumps, propelling Afghanistan to 425/2. It was the first full day in Test cricket since 2019 without a single wicket falling – a testimony to the quality of the batting display.
Partnering for glory: The 364‑run stand
Rain‑delayed day four limited scoring, but day five saw Shah’s brief cameo add three more runs before he was dismissed for 234 – a fleeting moment that briefly reclaimed the record for Shah. The partnership, now officially 364 runs for the third wicket, became Afghanistan’s highest third‑wicket stand and the second‑largest partnership against Zimbabwe in Test history, trailing only the 438‑run effort of Marvan Atapattu and Kumar Sangakkara in 2004.
- Shah’s innings: 234 (416 balls, 23 fours, 3 sixes)
- Shahidi’s unbeaten: 236* (record‑breaking second double century)
- Partnership: 364 runs for the third wicket
- Afghanistan’s total by lunch day five: 656/4, a 70‑run lead
Reactions from the corridor: Players, boards, and fans
After Shah’s dismissal, wicket‑keeper Afsar Zazai added 113, becoming the sixth centurion of the match and reinforcing Afghanistan’s dominance. Post‑match, Shahidi, who reclaimed the record with his 236* at lunch, said, “We came here to prove we belong at this level, and today we showed it. It’s not just about individual scores; it’s about the partnership that built this platform.”
Zimbabwe Cricket expressed admiration for the Afghan batting, noting the “superb technique and temperament” displayed across both innings. Meanwhile, the Afghanistan Cricket Board hailed the performance as a “landmark moment” that could inspire the next generation of cricketers back home.
Impact analysis: Rankings, morale, and future fixtures
Shah’s and Shahidi’s feats nudged both players up the ICC Test batting rankings, though exact points were yet to be published. The massive lead of 70 runs, albeit in a drawn match, underscored Afghanistan’s growing capacity to dictate terms in the longest format. Analysts suggest the partnership will serve as a confidence booster ahead of the upcoming series against Bangladesh in early 2025.
From a strategic standpoint, the record‑setting innings highlighted Afghanistan’s depth in the top order – a factor that could influence how other Test nations plan their bowling attacks against them. The match also reaffirmed the significance of the Afghanistan‑Zimbabwe Test series 2024‑25Bulawayo, Zimbabwe as a pivotal chapter in the emerging cricket rivalry.
Looking ahead: What’s next for the Afghan side?
With the series concluding in a draw, Afghanistan now turns its focus to a home series against Pakistan slated for mid‑2025, where the pitch conditions are expected to favor spin – a weapon both Shah and Shahidi wield expertly. The board also hinted at a possible overseas tour to England later that year, aiming to test the squad against seam‑friendly environments.
For Shah, the next milestone may be converting his iconic innings into consistent high scores, while Shahidi looks to cement his legacy as the first Afghan player with multiple double centuries against the same opponent. Their partnership, forged in Bulawayo, could well become a blueprint for future Afghan batting line‑ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Rahmat Shah’s record affect Afghanistan’s Test standing?
Shah’s 234‑run innings propels Afghanistan higher in the ICC Test rankings, showcasing the team’s ability to post massive totals. It also boosts morale, signaling that the side can challenge traditional Test nations on foreign soil.
What made the Shah‑Shahidi partnership so dominant?
Both batsmen combined technical solidity with patient aggression. Shah’s capacity to grind through 416 balls and Shahidi’s steady accumulation created a relentless flow of runs that left Zimbabwe’s bowlers without any breakthrough for an entire day.
Will this performance influence future fixtures for Afghanistan?
Yes. The board is likely to schedule more away series against established Test nations, leveraging the confidence gained in Bulawayo. Strong batting displays also make Afghanistan a more attractive opponent for broadcasters and sponsors.
How did Zimbabwe respond to Afghanistan’s surge?
Zimbabwe Cricket praised the skill of the Afghan batsmen but lamented missed opportunities with the ball. Their bowlers struggled to maintain pressure, and rain‑affected play on day four limited any chance of a comeback.
What does Shahidi’s second double century signify?
Shahidi becomes the first Afghan player with two double centuries, cementing his status as the nation’s premier Test batsman. It also marks the first instance of a player achieving double hundreds against the same opposition in separate Tests.