Written by Praise Dumi DhlakamaZimbabwe sports betting writer
Published 5 November 2026
Brendan Taylor rolled back the years with a magnificent 131, his seventh Test century, as Zimbabwe dominated the opening day of the first Test against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Captain Brian Bennett provided the perfect supporting act with an unbeaten 71, guiding the Chevrons to a commanding 326 for 5 at stumps.
Taylor turns back the clock
After captain Bennett won the toss and elected to bat, Zimbabwe’s openers Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran laid a solid platform with a 60-run stand. Kaia fell for a brisk 34, bringing Taylor to the crease at No. 3. The veteran looked assured from the outset, combining patient defence with brutal aggression, particularly against left-arm spinner Zia-ur-Rehman, off whom he hit all 4 of his sixes.
Taylor reached his hundred shortly after tea, and his 131 came off just 168 deliveries, studded with 14 fours and 4 sixes. In doing so, the 40-year-old became the oldest Zimbabwean ever to score a Test century, surpassing Craig Ervine’s previous record. It was also his first Test hundred since November 2018.
Captain Bennett anchors the innings
While Taylor provided the fireworks, Bennett ensured Zimbabwe did not waste the platform. The stand-in captain, leading the side in the absence of the injured Richard Ngarava, was the picture of composure. He and Taylor shared a 137-run partnership for the third wicket, which came off 200 deliveries and put Zimbabwe firmly in control.
Even after Taylor holed out to long-off, triggering a brief collapse that saw Craig Ervine and debutant Antum Naqvi fall cheaply, Bennett stood firm. He ended the day unbeaten on 71 off 128 balls, his fourth Test half-century, and with Wessly Madhevere (29 not out) for company, Zimbabwe will resume on day 2 looking to bat Afghanistan out of the contest.
Zia-ur-Rehman the pick for Afghanistan
For Afghanistan, Zia-ur-Rehman was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 118, while Mohammad Saleem, Qais Ahmad and Hashmatullah Shahidi chipped in with a wicket apiece. But on a slow surface that offered some turn but little pace, the hosts face an uphill battle to stay in the match.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will be delighted with their day’s work. With Blessing Muzarabani, Graeme Cremer and the rest of the bowling attack waiting in the wings, the Chevrons will fancy their chances of pushing past 400 and putting Afghanistan under serious pressure on a deteriorating pitch.
Brief scores: Zimbabwe 326 for 5 (Brendan Taylor 131, Brian Bennett 71 not out; Zia-ur-Rehman 2 for 118) v Afghanistan.
