SHARJAH – ZIMBABWE posted 504 in their first innings against Afghanistan, with centuries from captain Brian Bennett and veteran Brendan Taylor, in the first Test at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
The visitors batted for 134.3 overs after choosing to bat on the opening morning, building their total around three important partnerships.
Taylor and Bennett put on 137 for the third wicket on the first day, with Taylor contributing 131. Bennett later added 96 for the sixth wicket with Wessly Madhevere, who scored 54, before sharing a 54-run stand for the seventh wicket with Tafadzwa Tsiga (44).
Bennett scored 128 off 206 balls in his first Test as captain, registering his third Test century. Taylor’s 131 was his seventh Test hundred and, according to ESPNcricinfo, his first in eight years.
Zimbabwe’s lower order also made valuable contributions, with Graeme Cremer remaining unbeaten on 34. The last three wickets added 67 runs after Bennett’s dismissal.
Afghanistan’s bowlers endured lengthy spells on a slow surface, with seamer Mohammad Saleem taking three for 82 and leg-spinner Qais Ahmad claiming three for 120.
Left-arm spinner Zia-ur-Rehman bowled 46 overs, returning two for 170.
Afghanistan need 305 runs to avoid the follow-on.
Zimbabwe won the only previous Test meeting between the sides, in Harare in October 2025.
