Rashid’s five-for puts Afghanistan in command

KABUL (Pajhwok): With three wickets in hand, Zimbabwe tool a slender eight-run lead over Afghanistan on day four of the second Test match at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday.

The tourists were bundled out for 287 in their first innings, as Sikandar Raza top-scored for them with 85. He was followed by Prince Masvaure with 65.

For the hosts, experience leggie Rashid Khan shone with the ball and captured four wickets. Amir Hamza bagged three scalps while Syed Sherzad claimed two wickets.

As they took to the crease, Afghanistan piled up a massive 545 for the loss of only four batsmen before they declared their innings.

Hashmatullah Shahidi, who became the first Afghan ever to score a double century in Test cricket, and Asghar Afghan (164) put the hosts in a commanding position.

In their second innings as well, the Zimbabweans struggled with the willow.  Three of their batsmen were dismissed for ducks, but Sean Williams played the captain’s knock.

At the draw of stumps on Saturday, he remained unbeaten at 106. Donald Tinpand (63 not out) gave his skipper valuable support in guiding Zimbabwe to 266 for seven.

Rashid Khan, retaining his mojo, accounted for five opposition batsmen while Sherzad and Ahmadi took one wicket apiece.

On the fifth and final day on Sunday, Afghanistan will have to remove Zimbabwe’s remaining three batsmen as soon as possible to level the two-Test series.

PAN Monitor/mud