Rain curtailed play on the fourth day as the first Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan looked headed for a draw in Bulawayo with the tourists trailing by 71 runs.

Afghanistan were 3-515 in reply to their hosts 586 when Sunday's play was halted at at the Queens Sports Club having added 90 runs to their overnight score of 2-425 but seeing Rahmat Shah dismissed in the second over of the day for 234.

He added only three runs after setting a new record test score for an Afghanistan batsman when he and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi batted through the entire third day.

Their 364-run partnership was also a record for any wicket for Afghanistan.

Hashmatullah was 179 not out when play was halted minutes before lunch, with Afsar Zazai unbeaten on 46.

A heavy downpour continued through the afternoon and is also expected for Monday's last day.