Shahidi scripts history with double ton [Source: @ZimCricketv/X.Com]
Hashmatullah Shahidi is a superstar of Afghanistan cricket and has been a rock in their batting lineup for the last so many years. The Afghan cricketer has excelled, not only in white-ball cricket, but in the game's longest format as well.
In the ongoing Test match against Zimbabwe, Shahidi scripted history as he slammed a marvellous double century and became the first-ever Afghan player to hit two double tons in Tests.
Previously, the joint-most double century record was held by Shahidi and Rahmat Shah, as both the batters had one double tons to their name.
On a batting paradise at the Queens Sports Park, Bulawayo, both Zimbabwe and Afghanistan batters made use of the conditions. Three Zimbabwe batters scored hundreds in the innings, and Afghanistan responded with double centuries from Rahmat Shah and Shahidi, as Afghanistan are 627/3 in reply to the hosts' total of 586.
Interestingly, Shahidi's first double century also came against the Zimbabwe side in 2021, as the batter averages more than 200 against them.
Match heading towards stalemate!
Four days have past and we are yet to witness the start of the second innings. Both the teams are playing for individual milestones as the result is certainly not possible, unless a miracle takes place.
The match has headed towards Day 5, with Afghanistan closely towards the 700-run mark, something which they'll achieve for the first time in their Test history. The visitors will now look to declare the innings to have a go at the Zimbabwe batters, in order to inflict a result.