(Reuters) – Hashmatullah Shahidi became the first player from Afghanistan to break a double hundred test while his team set several batting records on the memorable day of two of their second and final matches against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
Playing their sixth Test match, the Afghans trailed 545-4, their highest total ever, before captain Asghar Afghan declared their first batting.
Their previous highest total was 342 when they beat Bangladesh in 2019 to register their first test victory.
The skipper himself struck 164, which was briefly the highest total test by an Afghan batsman until Shahidi clipped it.
The fourth wicket stand 307 between them was also the biggest partnership for Afghanistan and played their first test against India in 2018.
Shahidi took a single off Donald Tiripano to grab his double double. He celebrated it with roar, while teammates gave him a standing ovation and Zimbabwean players walked up to congratulate him.
Shahidi faced 443 balls for his 200 not out, which included 21 boundaries and six. Zimbabwe had won the opening test at the same venue within two days.