1st Test: Afghanistan manage 402/7 versus Zimbabwe on Day 3
What's the story
Afghanistan's cricket team ended the third day of their first Test against Zimbabwe at 402/7, trailing by 102 runs. The match, being played in Sharjah, saw debutant Rahmanullah and Sediqullah Atal score centuries. Their captain Rahmat Shah also contributed with an unbeaten 94. Despite these efforts, Afghanistan still have a long way to go in this match. Here are further details.
Match progress
Zimbabwe's strong start puts pressure on Afghanistan
Zimbabwe posted a massive first-innings score of 504.
At the end of Day 2, Afghanistan were cruising at 113/1 in 35 overs.
Atal was unbeaten on 55 off 114 balls. Rahmanullah has scored 50* off 83 balls.
However, the third day saw a change in fortunes as Zimbabwe took six wickets during the afternoon and evening sessions.
This included four by Newman Nyamhuri, who was instrumental in putting his team back on top.
Game dynamics
Record partnership for Afghanistan, but Zimbabwe fight back
Rahmanullah and Atal formed Afghanistan's highest-ever second-wicket partnership in Tests, extending their overnight stand from 99 runs to 206.
This was just the fourth instance of a partnership over 200 runs by an Afghanistan pair in this format.
Atal scored 105 off 213 balls whereas Rahmanullah managed 113 off 188 balls.
However, Zimbabwe's bowlers led by Nyamhuri struck back hard, taking wickets at regular intervals during the later part of Day 3.
Final session
Shah, Zia-ur-Rehman remain to bat for Afghanistan
The final session of Day 3 saw 112 runs scored at the cost of two wickets in 33 overs.
Shah remained unbeaten on 94 while Nyamhuri was just one wicket away from a five-wicket haul.
This is the last proper batting pair for Afghanistan as Zia-ur-Rehman is classified as an all-rounder.
He needs to stay with his skipper if Afghanistan hope to get close to Zimbabwe's total.