Rahmat's gritty century boosts Afghanistan's lead

Afghanistan posted a strong total of 291 for 7 with Rahmat leading the charge with an impressive knock of 139, supported by Ismat's unbeaten 64*. Zimbabwe's Muzarabani finished with figures of 4-71. With this, Afghanistan hold a commanding lead of 205 runs over Zimbabwe, who were bowled out for 243 in their first innings.

Afghanistan dragged themselves to a position of advantage on an attritional third day, with Rahmat Shah's gritty century headlining their much improved batting display from their first innings.

On the second day where 13 wickets fell, Afghanistan conceded an 86-run first-innings lead to Zimbabwe and lost three wickets before wiping out even half the deficit.

But on Saturday, Rahmat, with help from Shahidullah and Ismat Aslam, stretched Afghanistan's lead beyond 200 with three wickets still remaining, before rain forced early stumps.

For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani added two wickets to his overnight tally of two, while Richard Ngarava struck twice, including the prized scalp of Rahmat, but they know with Ismat still at the crease along with Rashid Khan, who is capable of scoring some quick runs, they are going to be staring at a steep chase on a pitch where batting fourth is a daunting proposition.

Full report to follow