Shahidi became the first player to hit a double century for Afghanistan in Test cricket
Afghanistan continued their dominant display with the bat at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in the second Test vs Zimbabwe on day two. Skipper Asghar Afghan and Hasmatullah Shahidi started day 2 with the scoreboard displaying 307/3.
The pair had already stitched 186 runs and added another 121 for the fourth wicket. Sikandar Raza finally got the better of the Afghanistan skipper who walked back to a standing ovation from his teammates, having scored 164 runs off 257 balls.
26-year old Shahidi then did what was never done before in the history of Afghanistan cricket. Score a Test double ton. He had only become the third player to hit a Test century for his country on day one after Rahmat Shah and captain Asghar Afghan. He faced a total of 443 deliveries and hit 21 fours and one maximum to reach his double ton.
And with his celebrations, Afghanistan declared their first innings at 545/4 with time still left for 17 overs in the day’s play.
Openers Prince Masvaure (29*) and Kevin Kasuza (14*) got Zimbabwe off to a strong start as they ended the day at 50/0 after 17 overs.
Afghanistan will however be far happier than their opposition given that things will only get difficult for the team batting as the pitch deteriorates further.
Zimbabwe currently lead 1-0 in the two-match Test series.