Afghanistan reply strongly after Bennett century powers Zimbabwe: 1st Test, Day 2 (Sharjah)

New skipper Brian Bennet stroked a superb century as Zimbabwe strengthened their grip on the first Test against Afghanistan, reaching 504 in their first innings before the hosts finished Day 2 on 113 for 1 at Sharjah.

Resuming at 326 for 5, Zimbabwe added another 178 runs, with Bennett completing an outstanding century. Bennett scored 128 from 206 deliveries, while Wessly Madhevere contributed an entertaining 54 and Tafadzwa Tsiga made 44.

Graeme Cremer remained unbeaten on 34 as Zimbabwe passed the 500 mark. Mohammad Saleem Safi and Qais Ahmad claimed three wickets apiece for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan responded positively, reaching 113 for 1 at stumps, although they still trailed by 391 runs. Sediqullah Atal produced a composed unbeaten 55, while debutant Rahmanullah Zadran impressed with an equally valuable 50 not out.

The pair shared an unbroken 99-run partnership for the second wicket after Abdul Malik fell for just 2 to Newman Nyamhuri. Afghanistan will be encouraged by their determined response, but they face a substantial task on Day 3 to close the gap on Zimbabwe’s imposing first-innings total.

Afghanistan 113 for 1 (Atal 55*, Rahmanullah 50*) trail Zimbabwe 504 (Taylor 131, Bennett 128, Madhevere 54, Saleem 3-82, Qais 3-120) by 391 runs.

Nov 2026.