Sport
Afghanistan’s record partnership highlights fourth day of Test against Zimbabwe
Afghanistan produced a determined batting performance on the fourth day of the one-off Test against Zimbabwe in Sharjah on Sunday, with captain Rahmat Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman setting a new national record for the highest eighth-wicket partnership in Test cricket.
Resuming their innings 102 runs behind Zimbabwe with only three wickets remaining, Rahmat and Zia added 92 runs for the eighth wicket, helping Afghanistan surpass Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 504 and secure a narrow 10-run lead.
Rahmat Shah led Afghanistan’s resistance with 173 runs from 347 deliveries, recording his second-highest Test score. Zia contributed 15 runs from 99 balls, holding his ground for nearly three hours alongside the Afghanistan captain.
The partnership eventually ended when Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Zia, while Rahmat was later stumped off Graeme Cremer. Newman Nyamhuri then removed Mohammad Saleem to complete his maiden five-wicket haul, bringing Afghanistan’s first innings to a close at 514.
Afghanistan carried their momentum into Zimbabwe’s second innings as Zia-ur-Rehman dismissed Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran, reducing the visitors to 38 for two.
However, Brendan Taylor scored 82 runs to help Zimbabwe recover, while captain Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 49. Taylor was run out following a mix-up with Bennett, but the Zimbabwe captain and Craig Ervine, who was unbeaten on 20, added an unbroken 44-run partnership.
Zimbabwe ended the fourth day with an overall lead of 154 runs and seven wickets remaining.
Afghanistan will aim to take early wickets on the final day and limit Zimbabwe’s advantage as both teams seek a result in the Sharjah Test.
Afghanistan opened their AFC U17 Asian Cup 2027 qualifying campaign with a convincing 4-1 victory over hosts Myanmar on Sunday.
Mohammad Fahim Hammas scored a hat-trick, while Taib Qaderi also found the net to secure all three points for Afghanistan in their opening Group A match.
Qaderi broke the deadlock in the ninth minute before Hammas doubled Afghanistan’s advantage six minutes later.
Hammas struck again in the 23rd minute, giving Afghanistan a comfortable 3-0 lead at half-time.
The Afghan side continued their dominance after the break, with Hammas completing his hat-trick four minutes into the second half.
Myanmar pulled one goal back in the 56th minute through Thet Naing Oo, who converted a penalty, but Afghanistan held on to claim a comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Afghanistan are grouped with Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines and Cambodia in the tournament. They will face Cambodia in their next match on Wednesday.
Toofan Herat secured a 2–0 victory over Arman FC in the 77th match of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan in Kabul.
The match was played on Saturday at the Afghanistan Football Federation Stadium, with both teams competing for a positive result.
Toofan Herat opened the scoring in the first half before adding a second goal in the closing minutes of the second half to seal the victory.
Arman FC made several attempts to get on the scoresheet throughout the match but were unable to find the back of the net.
Arman FC will face Abu Muslim Farah in their next fixture on November 11, while Toofan Herat are scheduled to meet Sir Sabz Yashlar Khwafi on November 10.
All matches of the sixth season of Afghanistan Champions League Roshan are broadcast live on Ariana Television Network.
Afghanistan finished the third day of the first Test against Zimbabwe at 402 for 7 after 125 overs, remaining 102 runs behind Zimbabwe’s first-innings total of 504 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 504 in 134.3 overs in their first innings, setting a challenging target for Afghanistan to close the gap.
Afghanistan made progress with the bat on the third day, reaching 402 for 7 by the close of play. However, they still trail Zimbabwe by 102 runs, with three wickets remaining in their first innings.
The match will continue on day four, with Afghanistan looking to reduce the deficit and potentially take the lead before Zimbabwe begin their second innings.
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