Sharjah Test: Afghanistan's Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah hammer centuries vs Zimbabwe
What's the story
Afghanistan's top-order batsmen put on an impressive display in the ongoing first Test match against Zimbabwe in Sharjah. Despite opener Abdul Malik's failure (2), fellow opener Sediqullah Atal and Rahmanullah scored centuries, taking Afghanistan past the 200-run mark for the loss of just one wicket. Notably, the latter became the second Afghan batter to hammer a hundred on Test debut. Here are further details.
Batting brilliance
A massive partnership between the duo
Rahmanullah completed his century in 156 balls before being dismissed for 113 off 188 balls. He hit 12 fours and a six.
Soon after, Atal reached the three-figure mark in 197 balls. The opener departed for 105 off 213 balls (6 fours, 3 sixes).
The duo put on a 206-run partnership for the second wicket.
Prior to this, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 504 runs in their first innings.
Stats
Rahmanullah joins Ismat Alam on this list
As mentioned, Rahmanullah became just the second Afghan batter with a hundred in his maiden Test.
He has joined Ismat Alam, who made 101 against none other than Zimbabwe in Bulawayo last year, as per Cricinfo.
Overall, Rahmanullah scored his sixth First-Class hundred. He also owns 11 fifties.
Across 37 matches, the batting sensation has raced to 2,403 at an average of around 36.
Atal
Here are Atal's numbers
Meanwhile, Atal has converted each of his first two 50-plus Test scores into tons.
His tally now reads 295 runs across seven innings at 49.16.
In FC cricket, the 25-year-old now has 1,106 runs from 21 games while averaging around 30.
This includes two tons and five fifties.