ZIMBABWE will need an early breakthrough on Monday to prevent Afghanistan from turning their strong response into a first innings advantage when the opening Test resumes in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
The Chevrons hold a 102 run lead with Afghanistan on 402 for seven after 125 overs at the close of Day Three. The hosts have three wickets in hand and Rahmat Shah is unbeaten on 94, leaving Zimbabwe with plenty of work to do.
Zimbabwe had looked firmly in control after posting 504 all out in their first innings, but Afghanistan have fought back through centuries from Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah Zadran.
The visitors’ total was built around Brendan Taylor and Brian Bennett, who scored 131 from 168 balls and 128 from 206 deliveries respectively. Their partnership helped Zimbabwe recover from difficult periods and lay the foundation for a commanding total.
Wessly Madhevere added 54, while wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga contributed 44 as Zimbabwe passed 500 for the first time in a Test innings since their 542 for four declared against Bangladesh in Chattogram in 2001. That match ended in a Zimbabwe victory.
The 504 in Sharjah is Zimbabwe’s second highest Test total away from home and ends a 25 year wait for another 500 plus score on foreign soil.
Afghanistan’s reply gathered momentum through Atal and Zadran, who scored 105 and 113 respectively. Their second wicket partnership of 206 put Zimbabwe’s bowlers under sustained pressure and brought the hosts back into the contest.
Newman Nyamhuri led the bowling effort with four wickets for 62 runs, while Graeme Cremer claimed two wickets. The remaining dismissal came through a run out.
Rahmat has since taken charge of the innings and will resume on Monday just six runs short of a century. His wicket is likely to be a priority for Zimbabwe, who must also ensure Afghanistan’s lower order does not add a substantial contribution.
Nyamhuri’s four wicket haul and Cremer’s control with the ball have given Zimbabwe openings, but they need to finish the job quickly. Head coach Justin Sammons will be looking for his bowlers to make early inroads and secure a first innings lead before Afghanistan can erase the deficit.
Zimbabwe remain ahead, but Afghanistan’s recovery has made the fourth day an important test of the visitors’ ability to turn a strong batting performance into control of the match.
