## Afghanistan Clinch Thrilling Test Victory Over Zimbabwe
Afghanistan secured a dramatic victory over Zimbabwe in the final Test match, winning by 72 runs on Day 5. The match was a rollercoaster of fluctuating fortunes, culminating in a tense final session where Afghanistan’s bowlers, spearheaded by Rashid Khan, expertly dismantled the Zimbabwean batting line-up.
The foundation for Afghanistan’s victory was laid in their second innings. Rahmat Shah continued his outstanding series performance, while debutant Ismat Alam smashed a magnificent century (64 not out when rain stopped play early on day 5), helping Afghanistan set Zimbabwe a challenging 278-run target. These two formed a crucial partnership, their contributions breaking several Afghanistan Test records in the process. Rahmat’s innings included his third Test century, surpassing Hashmatullah Shahidi’s previous record, while he and Ismat’s 132-run partnership for the seventh wicket, and their other notable partnerships, also shattered existing records. Additionally, Rahmat Shah was later named the Player of the Series for his exceptional 392 runs at an average of 130.66, including a double century and a century.
Zimbabwe began their chase with determination, but Rashid Khan’s mastery of spin bowling proved too much to handle. He claimed six wickets, showcasing his prowess and earning the Player of the Match award. His performance, combined with the contributions of other Afghan bowlers, left Zimbabwe reeling at 99/4, making the chase exceedingly difficult. Despite a valiant fifty by captain Craig Ervine, Zimbabwe ultimately fell short, losing their last two wickets in just 15 balls on the final day.
The match also saw significant milestones for Afghanistan, not only on the scoreboard but in their team’s overall performance. Hashmatullah Shahidi’s captaincy further solidified his place in Afghan cricketing history, surpassing Asghar Afghan’s record for most Test appearances as captain (5). The match highlighted the growing maturity and skill within the Afghan team, showcasing their potential to compete and triumph on the Test stage.
Post-match reactions painted a vivid picture of the match’s impact. Rashid Khan reflected on his return to Test cricket after a long layoff due to surgery, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the inspiring batting performances of Rahmat Shah and Ismat Alam. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi expressed his pride in his team’s resilience and mental strength, praising the exceptional contributions of Rahmat, Ismat, and Rashid. Zimbabwean captain Craig Ervine acknowledged Afghanistan’s superior performance, highlighting areas where Zimbabwe could have improved, while also noting positive signs for his team’s future. The overall sentiment was one of both celebration for Afghanistan’s victory and recognition of the competitive spirit displayed by both sides throughout the five-day encounter.