The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, with the tournament hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This prestigious event marks the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year hiatus, featuring eight of the world’s best cricketing nations competing for the coveted title.

Tournament Structure and Groups

The eight participating teams ??have been divided into two grou??ps:

• Group A: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand
• Group B: Australia, England, South Africa, Afghanistan

Each team will play three group-stage matches, with ??the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The tournament will run until March 9, culminating in the final.

Also READ: ICC announces warm-up fixtures for the Champions Trophy 202??5

Champions Trophy 2025 Squads

Afghanistan: Hashmatullah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Nangyal Kharoti, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran. Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Bilal Sami

Australia: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa. Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly

Bangladesh: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Jaker Al??i Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur?? Rahman, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana

England: Jos Buttler (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Tom Banton, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Ben Duckett, Jamie Overton, Jamie Smit??h, Liam Livingstone, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Saqib Mahmood, Phil Salt, Mark Wood

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun C??hakaravarthy

New Zealand: Mitchell Santner (c), Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Lockie Ferguson, Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Nathan Smi?th, Kane Williamson, Will Young

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, ?Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, Corbin Bosch. Travelling reserve: Kwena Maphaka

Also READ: AB de Villier?s names the most dangerous team of C??hampions Trophy 2025

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In a major setback for Afghanistan, their rising spin star Allah Ghazanfar has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The 18-year-old has been a standout performer for the Afghan team since making his ODI debut last year. With 21 wickets in just 11 ODIs, he was expected to play a crucial role in Afghanistan’s campaign in the prestigious eight-team tournament in Pakistan.  However, an unfortunate injury sustained during Afghanistan’s recent tour of Zimbabwe has now sidelined him for at least four months, forcing him to miss both the Champions Trophy and the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season.

Allah Ghazanfar’s unfortunate Injury and expected recovery timeline

Ghazanfar’s injury occurred during Afghanistan’s Zimbabwe tour, where he suffered a fracture in the lower back (L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis). Following medical assessment, it has been confirmed that his recovery will take a minimum of four months, making it impossible for him to participate in the Champions Trophy, set to be played in Pakistan in February-March 2025. He will also miss the IPL 2025, where he was signed by the Mumbai Indians (MI) for INR 4.80 crore in the mega auction last year. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) officially confirmed? his injury status through an announcement on Wednesday, February 12, via their social media accounts.

Also READ: Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi predicts his four semifinalists of Champions Tr?ophy 2025

Replacement for the ICC Champions Trophy

With Ghazanfar ruled out, Afghanistan has called up Nangyal Kharoti, who was originally part of the reserves pool, to the 15-member squad for the ICC tournament. Kharoti, a promising young spinner, will now have an opportunity to prove himself on the global stage as Afghanistan prepares for a tough Group B campaign. Meanwhile, Afghanistan will continue to miss the services of Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who remains unavailable for ODI selection until he has fully recovered from his injury.? With Ghazanfar’s absence being a major blow, Afghanistan will now rely on? their experienced players and new additions to step up as they aim for a strong showing in the Champions Trophy 2025.

🚨 INJURY UPDATE 🚨

Afghanistan's young spin-bowling sensation, AM Ghazanfar, has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy due to a fracture in the L4 vertebra, specifically in the left pars interarticularis. He sustained the injury during Afghanistan’s recently held tour�?pic.twitter.com/g0ALWe7HVe

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) February 12, 2025

Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign schedule

Despite the setback, Afghanistan are gearing up for their third Champions Trophy appearance, set to begin on February 21, 2025. They will kick off their group-stage matches against South Africa at National Stadium in Karachi. Their second fixture will be against England on February 26 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, followed by a crucial encounter against Australia on February 28 at the same venue. The team will now have to restructure their bowling attack in the absence of their young spin sensation, with extra responsibility likely to fall on Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmad and Kharoti.

Also READ: ?Champions Trophy 2025: Pakistan legend appointed as mentor for the Afghanistan te?am

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Azmatullah Omarzai, the 24-year-old all-rounder from Afghanistan, has won the prestigious ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024 Award. His remarkable performances with both bat and ball throughout the year have earned him this honour, marking his ascent in the 50-over format.

Omarzai’s exceptional skills have been pivotal to Afghanistan’s growing stature in international cricket, solidifying his place as one of the most promising talents in world cricket.

Azmatullah Omarzai: A star in Afghanistan cricket

Since making his ODI debut against Ireland in January 2021, Omarzai has proven to be an invaluable asset for Afghanistan. In 2024, he played 14 matches and showcased his all-round abilities, cementing his reputation as a top-tier player. As a middle-order right-handed batter, Omarzai scored an impressive 417 runs, which included three half-centuries and one century. His highest score, an unbeaten 149 runs against Sri Lanka at Pallekele Stadium in February 2024, was a standout performance. The knock included 13 fours and 6 sixes, demonstrating his aggressive style of p?lay. With an a?verage of 52.12 and a strike rate of 105.56, his contributions with the bat have been exceptional.

In addition to his batting prowess, Omarzai’s skills with the ball have been equally impressive. As a right-arm medium-fast bowler, he claimed 17 wickets in 14 matches, maintaining an average of 20.47 and an economy rate of 4.90. His best bowling performance came against Zimbabwe in ??December 2024, where he took four wickets for just 18 runs in the first ODI at Harare. Omarzai also contributed in the field, taking three catches in those 14 matches, further highlighting his all-round capabilities.

Omarzai’s exceptional year culminated in his recognition as the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. His consistent and outstanding performances have not only earned him individual accolades but have also propelled him to the third position in the ICC Men’s ODI rankings. This achievement signifies his growth as a player and highlights his potential to dominate the international stage in the years to come.

Also READ: ICC announces ??Women’s T20I Team of the Year 2024; Smriti Mandhana and two other Indian players feature in the prestigious XI

Afghanistan’s success story in 2024

2024 has been a breakthrough year for Afghanistan cricket, with several players making significant contributions. In addition to Omarzai’s recognition, two other Afghanistan players earned spots in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2024. Rahmanullah Gurbaz, known for his dynamic batting at the top of the order, scored 531 runs in 11 matches. His explosive starts were key to Afghanistan’s victories over teams like Ireland, South Africa, and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, 18-year-old off-spinner Allah Ghazanfar made a remarkable?? impact by taking 21 wickets in 11 matches, showcasing exceptional control and maturity beyond his years.

Afghanistan’s team performance in 2024 also reflects their growing strength in international cricket. They played 14 matches, winning 8, losing 5 and having 1 match end in no result. The year has seen the team make significant strides, with their all-round performances pushing them closer to the top echelons of world cricket.

Also READ: ICC reveals Men’s OD??I Team of the Year 2024; Indian players find no place

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025, a prestigious international cricket tournament, is set to take place from February 19 to March 9, 2025, in a hybrid format co-hosted by Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates. However, the event has sparked significant controversy due to the ongoing political situation in Afghanistan, particularly the Taliban’s oppressive stance on women’s rights. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been urged by British lawmakers to reconsider their participation in a match against Afghanistan scheduled for February 26, 2025. This request follows the Taliban’s stringent restrictions on women’s participation in sports and public life.

The Taliban’s impact on Afghanistan cricket

Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan in 2021, the regime has enforced laws that effectively prohibit women from participating in sports or engaging in public life. These actions have drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations, including the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) has come under scrutiny for its failure to adhere to ICC re?gulations that require the inclusion of women in cricket development programs. As a result, the Afghanistan national team’s participation in global tournaments like the Champions Trophy has become a? subject of heated debate.

Jos Buttler’s response to the boycott call

Considering the ongoing political pressure, England’s captain, Jos Buttler, has expressed his stance on the matter. Speaking candidly, Buttler acknowledged the complexity of the situation but emphasized that as a player, he tries to stay informed about political situations but relies on experts for more knowledge. He has been in communication with ECB men’s managing director Rob Key and ??others at the ECB to? understand their perspective, and he believes a boycott is not the right approach.

�?em>Political situations like this, as a player you’re trying to be as informed as you can be,” Buttler said. “The experts know a lot more about it, so I’ve been trying to stay in dialogue with Rob Key and the guys above to see how they see it. I don’t think a boycott is the way to go about it,” Buttler said to the reporter ahead of first T20I against India.

Also READ: India secures historic victory o??ver England to seal the PD Champions Trophy 2025

Players focused on the game, not politics

Buttler mentioned that players haven’t been overly concerned about political issues and have been focusing on educating themselves. He has read helpful materials and consulted experts for their opinions. He emphasized that players don’t want politics to impact sports and expressed hope for a successful Champions Trophy tournament.

�?em>The players haven’t really worried too much about it. You’re trying to educate yourself and read up on these things. There’s been some good stuff written about it that I’ve tapped into and I’ve spoken to quite a few people to try and gather expert opinion. As a player, you don’t want political situations to affect sport. We hope to go to the Champions Trophy and play that game and have a really good tournament,�?he added.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Suryakumar Yadav responds to h?is exclusion?? from India’s squad

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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to break an eight-year hiatus, commencing on February 19 with hosts Pakistan taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener. This much-anticipated event will feature eight elite teams competing in 15 exciting matches over 19 days. As the deadline for submitting provisional squad lists to the ICC approaches, Afghanistan have joined England, New Zealand and Bangladesh in officially announcing their squad for the prestigious tournament. This marks Afghanistan’s maiden appearance in the Champions Trophy, a testament to their remarkable rise in international cricket.

Afghanistan gears up for historic debut under Hashmatullah Shahidi

Hashmatullah Shahidi, the experienced batter and tactician, will lead Afghanistan in this historic campaign. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed a balanced 15-mem??ber squad accompanied by traveling reserves. The team boasts a blend of seasoned campaign??ers and emerging talent, reflecting Afghanistan’s growing depth in cricketing prowess.

The squad includes stalwarts like Ibrahim Zadran, a consistent performer in the top order known for anchoring innings with flair, and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, the explosive wicketkeeper-batter who has proven instrumental in providing rapid starts at the top of the order. Adding further strength to the batting lineup are players like Sediqullah Atal, a promising young batter with the potential to make a significant impact, and Rahmat Shah, whose calm and composed approach in the middle order has been a corner?stone of Afghani?stan’s ODI success.

Spin power led by Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi

Afghanistan’s spin department, a key asset for the team, will be spearheaded by Rashid Khan, one of the world’s premier leg-spinners with vast experience in franchise and international cricket. Supporting him is Mohammad Nabi, the seasoned all-rounder who brings leadership, control with the ball, and a wealth of experience in high-pressure tournaments. Together, they form a formidable spin duo capable of troubling the world’s best batters, especially on subcontinent pitches. Versatile all-rounders Gulbadin Naib and Azmatullah Omarzai bring a crucial balance to the side, offering power-hitting capabilities lower down the order and reliable medium-pace options with the ball. Meanwhile Mujeeb Ur Rahman failed to find a place in the Afghan squad.

Also READ: Bangladesh unv?eils 15-member squ?ad for Champions Trophy 2025; no place for Litton Das

Momentum from recent success

Afghanistan will enter the Champions Trophy on the back of impressive performances in recent ICC events. Their campaign at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 showcased their ability to compete with top teams, while their semifinal run in the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup underlined their growth as a force to reckon with in limited-overs cricket. With players in form and a well-rounded squad, Afghanistan is primed to make an impact in their Champions Trophy debut.

This historic appearance represents a major milestone for Afghanistan cricket, highlighting their journey from Associate status to competing in one of the ICC’s most prestigious tournaments. Fans and cricketing enthusiasts alike will eagerly await their performance on this global stage.

Afghanistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy 2025:

Hashmatul??lah Shahidi (c), Ibrahim Zadran, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Sediqullah Atal, Rahmat Shah, Ikram Alikhil, Gulbadin Naib, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan, Allah Ghazanfar, Noor Ahmad, Fazalhaq Farooqi, Farid Malik, Naveed Zadran.

Reserves: Darwish Rasooli, Nangyal Kharoti, Bilal Sami

Also READ: New Zealand Cricket announ?ces squad for Champions Trophy 2025; Mitchell Santner to lead

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In a significant development for the Afghanistan cricket team, a legendary Pakistan cricketer has been appointed as a mentor for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed this news on Wednesday (January 8), stating that Younis Khan will join their men’s team prior to the tournament, which is set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE.

Mentorship role

Younis Khan, renowned for his exceptional batting skills and leadership, brings a wealth of experience to the Afghan side. He has previously served as Afghanistan’s batting coach in 2022 and is well-respected for his contributions to cricket. Throughout his illustrious career, Younis scored over 10,000 runs in Test matches and played a pivotal role in leading Pakistan to their first T20 World Cup victory in 2009. His expertise will be invaluable as Afghanistan prepares for the prestigious tournament.

ACB’s statement

Sayeed Naseem Sadat, spokesperson for the ACB, expressed enthusiasm about Younis’s appointment, highlighting his extensive knowledge of the game and ability to inspire young players.

“ACB has assigned former experienced top order Pakistani player Younis Khan as Mentor for Champions Trophy 2025. He will join the team before the event starts in Pakistan.” Sadat was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.

“We believe that his guidance will help our team perform at its best during the Champions Trophy,” he added.

Also READ: Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman predicts his four semifinalists of Champions Trophy 2025

The Champions Trophy is set to feature top cricketing nations competing for glory, and Afghanistan aims to make a significant impact under Younis’s mentorship. As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts are eager to see how this collaboration will enhance Afghanistan’s performance on the international stage.

Afghanistan’s Champions Trophy 2025 Schedule

• Afghanistan vs South Africa – February 21 at National Stadium, Karachi
• Afghanistan vs England – February 26 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
• Afghanistan vs Australia – February 28 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025 – ECB reacts to the politicians’ plea of boycotting England vs Afghanistan clash

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Afghanistan celebrated a historic triumph in Bulawayo as Rashid Khan’s spectacular seven-wicket haul in the second innings powered them to a commanding 72-run win over Zimbabwe in the second Test at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo. This victory secured a 1-0 series win, marking a significant achievement in Afghanistan’s journey in international Test cricket.

Rashid Khan’s magical spell

The final day of the Test saw Rashid deliver a bowling masterclass that left the Zimbabwean batting lineup in tatters. Starting the day at 205/8 and needing a mammoth effort to reach their target, Zimbabwe’s hopes were quickly dashed. Rashid struck in the second over, removing Richard Ngarava with a sharp delivery, and wrapped up the innings shortly after, finishing with figures of 7/66. His relentless accuracy and turn proved too much for the hosts, cementing his reputation as one of the premier spinners in world cricket.

Afghanistan’s all-round performance in the second innings

Afghanistan set the stage for their victory with a commanding batting display in their second innings. Rahma?t Shah and Ismat Alam led the charge with exceptional centuries, scoring 139 and 101, respectively. Their contributions propelled Afghanistan to a formidable total of 363, giving them a crucial upper hand.

Chasing 278 for victory, Zimbabwe couldn’t put a fight, with skipper Craig Ervine only being the only half-centurion. The home team fell short of reaching the set target as Rashid and Zia-ur-Rehman (2/44) combined to restrict Zimbabwe to 205.

A landmark moment for Afghanistan

This series win is a testament to Afghanistan’s growing stature in Test cricket. Rashid’s match-winning performance not only highlighted his skills but also underscored Afghanistan’s potential to compete at the highest level.

Congratulations Afghanistan great bowling @rashidkhan_19 and Great batting by @RahmatShah_08 and @IsmatAlam pic.twitter.com/qMUXr666m4

— Mohammad Nabi (@MohammadNabi007) January 6, 2025

Also WATCH: Blessing Muzarabani’s unplayable bouncer to dismiss Rashid Khan on Day 4 of the ZIM vs AFG 2nd Test

His figures of 11 wickets across the match (7/66 in the second innings and 4/94 in the first) played a pivotal role in turning the game in Afghanistan’s favour.

𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 – 𝐑𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐊𝐡𝐚𝐧 🤩@rashidkhan_19 (25, 4/94, 23 & 7/66) bagged a well-deserving player of the match award for his incredible contributions in the second test match against Zimbabwe. 🤩🏅#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG |�?pic.twitter.com/QjVNabM8YT

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 6, 2025

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi praised the team’s collective effort. “First of all, congrats to the entire team, very happy with the way we performed. Coming back after a difficult first day was excellent, but mentally this will make us a lot more stronger. Performances from Rahmat, Ismat and Rashid were outstanding,” he said during the post-match presentation.

Als??o READ: Top 5 highest opening partnership while following-on in Test cricket

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On the fourth day of the second and final Test match at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe’s right-arm medium-fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani delivered a sensational performance including a fiery bouncer from Muzarabani dismissed Afghanistan’s all-rounder Rashid Khan.

Blessing Muzarabani’s lethal bouncer

In the 98th over of Afghanistan’s second innings ball delivered by Muzarabani, climbing sharply off a good length, caught Rashid off guard. In a defensive attempt, Rashid fended at the delivery, only for it to pop off his gloves into the hands of wicketkeeper Joylord Gumbie. Without waiting for the umpire’s decision, Rashid walked off, scoring 23 runs off 27 balls. This dismissal marked a historic milestone for Muzarabani, earning him his maiden five-wicket haul ?in Test cricket.

Here is the video:

The first of many for Blessing Muzarabani! 👏🏻

Muzarabani ripped through the Afghan batting line-up to bag his first five-for in Tests 💪#ZIMvAFGonFanCode pic.twitter.com/Uu9yEKW1mW

— FanCode (@FanCode) January 5, 2025

Muzarabani’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. In Afghanistan’s second innings, the 28-year-old pacer scalped six wickets in 29 overs, including five maidens, at an impressive economy rate of 3.30. His efforts placed him in the record books with the eighth-best bowling figures in an innings for Zimbabwe in Test cricket. Adding to his first-innings tally of two wickets, Muzarabani finished the match wi?th a remarkable total of eight dismissals, cementing his dominance in the series-deciding Test.

Also READ: Travis Head rubs salt on In?dia’s WTC and ODI WC agony with an Instagram stor??y after Australia’s BGT victory

Afghanistan’s fightback: Rashid Khan’s heroics with the ball

Despite Muzarabani’s heroics, Afghanistan remained in the contest thanks to Rashid’s stellar bowling performance. Rashid claimed six wickets in Zimbabwe’s second innings, maintaining his status as the game-changer for Afghanistan. His relentless attack left Zimbabwe reeling at 205 for 8 by the end of Day 4, still requiring 73 r?uns to se??cure victory in the nail-biting decider.

Zimbabwe’s hope: Captain Craig Ervine stands tall

The only glimmer of hope for Zimbabwe lies in their skipper, Craig Ervine. Battling with resilience, Ervine remained unbeaten at stumps with a fighting 53 off 97 balls. His determined innings has kept ?Zimbabwe’s hopes alive, though the team faces an uphill battle with j?ust two wickets in hand heading into the final day.

Also READ: Here’s the updated WTC 202??3-25 points table after India loses the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia

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Rahmat Shah‘s masterful century anchored Afghanistan’s innings and turned the tide decisively in their favor on Day 3 of the ongoing Test match against Zimbabwe. Beginning the day in a precarious position at 46/3, Afghanistan faced immense pressure fro?m a disciplined Zimbabwean bowling a??ttack. However, Rahmat displayed extraordinary composure and technical prowess, navigating the challenges with remarkable precision.

His unbeaten innings of 139 runs was not just a personal milestone but a testament to his ability to deliver under pressure. Supported by crucial partnerships, Rahmat ensured that Afghanistan transformed a shaky start i?nto a commanding lead. Despite moments of brilliance with the ball, Zimbabwe failed to sustain their momentum as Afghanistan’s batters consolidated through the day. By stumps, Afghanistan had tightened their grip on the match with a lead of 205 runs, leaving Zimbabwe with a daunting task in the final innings.

Day 3 begins with Afghanistan on the back foot

The third day began with Afghanistan on the back foot, precariously placed at 46/3 and trailing Zimbabwe’s first-innings score. Zimbabwe’s pace attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Richard Ngarava, continued to extract movement from the surface, making life difficult for the Afghan batters in the morning session. The duo bowled with discipline, forcing Afghanistan to adopt a cautious approach to avoid further setbacks. Shahidullah partnered with Rahmat to steady the innings, carefully consideri??ng the early threat.

However, Zimbabwe’s persistence paid off when Shahidullah fell to Muzarabani, caught by Takudzwanashe Kaitano. At 69/5, Afghanistan was in a fragile position, but Rahmat’s determination became evident as he began to rebuild the innings with a calculated shot selection. By lunch?, Afghanistan had reached 125/5, thanks to Rahmat’s unyielding focus, providing a glimmer of hope fo?r a recovery.

Also WATCH: Sean Williams exhibits? exceptional sportsmanship after being declared not out by the umpire on Day 2 of the second Test

Rahmat Shah’s century anchors Afghanistan

Rahmat was the cornerstone of Afghanistan’s resurgence, playing an innings that will be remembered for its sheer grit and elegance. Facing relentless pressure from Zimbabwe’s bowlers, Rahmat initially adopted a defensive approach, ensuring no further wickets fell during his time at the crease. His partnership with Ismat Alam proved crucial as the duo added 132 runs for the eight wicket, stabilizing the innings and frustrating the?? opposition.

Rahmat’s shot selection was impeccable; he balanced solid defense with calculated aggression, punishing anything overpitched or wide. His century was a moment of pure class, reached with a stylish flick to square leg, bringing the enti?re Afghan dressing room to its feet in applause. The knock??, spanning nearly five hours and featuring 14 boundaries, epitomized resilience and showcased his ability to adapt to the demands of Test cricket. Even after reaching the milestone, Rahmat continued to accumulate runs, ensuring Afghanistan moved into a position of strength.

Zimbabwe’s bowling falters in the final session

As the day wore on, Zimbabwe’s bowlers seemed to lose their earlier discipline and intensity, allowing Afghanistan to capitalize in the final session. Although Rahmat fell late in the day to Muzarabani, his dismissal did little to halt Afghanistan’s progress. The lower middle order, led by Rashid Khan and Alam, contributed vital runs, frustrating Zimbabwe further. Alam, in particular, counter-attacked effectively, finding boundaries with?? ease and ensuring the scoreboard continued to tick over.

Zimbabwe had moments of success, with Muzarabani claiming key wickets and Ngarava keeping things tight, but they lacked the consistency required to bundle out Afghanistan cheaply. By the time stumps were called due to rain, Afghanistan had amassed 291/7, securing a significant lead that placed them firmly in control. With the pitch beginning to show signs of wear and tear, Zimbabwe now faces an uphill battle to save the match, with their batters ne??eding to negotiate a challenging Day 4 against a spir??ited Afghan bowling attack.

Rain has enforced early stumps on day ??3 in Bulawayo as Afgha?nAtalan reached 291/7, leading by 205 runs.

Tomorrow morning, play will begin 30 minutes earlier at 12:00 PM (AFT). 👍#AfghanAtalan | #ZIMvAFG | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/aeNwpZWVtt

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) January 4, 2025

Also READ: IPL 2025: 3 reasons why Rashid Khan can repl??ace Shubman Gill as Gujarat Titans�?captain

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