Key points

• Zimbabwe posted 504 in Sharjah, built on centuries from Brendan Taylor (131) and captain Brian Bennett (128) in the opening Test against Afghanistan.
• Taylor, aged 40, scored his seventh Test hundred, while Bennett made his third, and his first as Test captain.
• Afghanistan replied strongly, reaching 113 for 1 at stumps on day two, with Sediqullah Atal unbeaten on 55 and debutant Rahmanullah on 50.
• Saleem Saifi and Qais Ahmad took three wickets each for Afghanistan, but Zimbabwe still lead by 391 runs.
• Afghanistan need a long first-innings reply on day three to stay in the match.

Zimbabwe took command of the opening Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah, posting 504 in their first innings before the hosts' openers gave a solid reply. Brendan Taylor and Brian Bennett both made centuries on a good batting pitch, and by stumps on day two Afghanistan had reached 113 for 1, still 391 runs behind.

Zimbabwe won the toss and chose to bat first at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, and the decision was rewarded by two of their most experienced batters. Taylor, playing Test cricket at 40, set the tone on the opening day, and Bennett, leading Zimbabwe in a Test for the first time, carried the innings forward on day two.

Taylor's seventh Test hundred

Taylor reached his hundred shortly after tea on the opening day and finished with 131 from 168 balls, an innings that included 14 fours and four sixes. It was his seventh Test century, scored at the age of 40 years and 272 days.

He was eventually dismissed when he holed out to long-off off Hashmatullah Shahidi, with Zia-ur-Rehman taking the catch. Taylor shared a 137-run stand for the third wicket with Bennett, a partnership that put Zimbabwe firmly on course for a sizeable total. Zimbabwe ended the opening day on 326 for 5, with Bennett unbeaten on 71 and Wessly Madhevere on 29.

Bennett's century on captaincy debut

Bennett resumed on day two and completed his hundred before lunch, eventually making 128 from 206 balls with 11 fours. It was his third Test century and his first since taking over the captaincy after Richard Ngarava was injured.

By the lunch interval on day two, Zimbabwe had moved to 421 for 6, with Bennett still at the crease on an unbeaten 123. His innings ended in the 116th over, when a stunning diving catch from Zia-ur-Rehman in the deep removed him off the bowling of Qais Ahmad. Zimbabwe were eventually bowled out for 504 in 134.3 overs.

Bennett's hundred came in a busy week for international cricket, days after Glenn Maxwell announced his retirement from international cricket. For more on the longer format, read our cricket formats explained guide.

Afghanistan's bowlers keep working

Afghanistan's bowlers had a long day in the field, but there were moments to remember. Left-arm seamer Mohammad Saleem Saifi took 3 for 82, while leg-spinner Qais Ahmad took 3 for 120. Zia-ur-Rehman's diving catch to dismiss Bennett was the fielding highlight of the innings.

The hosts will be disappointed to have conceded 504, but the pitch has been good for batting and their own batters have already shown that runs are available. The challenge now is to bat long enough to wipe out the deficit.

A solid reply from Afghanistan's openers

Afghanistan's reply began well. Sediqullah Atal, unbeaten on 55, and debutant Rahmanullah, unbeaten on 50, took Afghanistan to 113 for 1 at stumps on day two, after Newman Nyamhuri had taken the only wicket to fall.

It was an encouraging start for a young opening pair against a Zimbabwe attack with a big total behind it. If Atal and Rahmanullah can bat deep into day three, Afghanistan can still make this a contest. For the latest big moves in the shorter formats, see our report on the IPL 2027 trade between CSK and SRH.

What happens next

Afghanistan will resume on day three still 391 runs behind, and their first task is to bat long enough to erase the deficit and put pressure back on Zimbabwe. A first-innings lead for Zimbabwe would leave Afghanistan chasing the game, while a strong reply could set up a fascinating second half of the Test.

Zimbabwe's bowlers will be looking for early wickets with the new ball, while Afghanistan's middle order will need to support their openers. With three days remaining, the match is still open, but Zimbabwe hold the clear advantage.

FAQ

What is the score in the Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan Test?

Zimbabwe made 504 in their first innings. Afghanistan were 113 for 1 at stumps on day two, trailing by 391 runs.

Who scored centuries for Zimbabwe?

Brendan Taylor made 131 and captain Brian Bennett made 128. It was Taylor's seventh Test hundred and Bennett's third.

How old is Brendan Taylor?

Taylor is 40 years and 272 days old. His hundred against Afghanistan was his seventh in Test cricket.

Who are Afghanistan's unbeaten batters?

Sediqullah Atal is unbeaten on 55 and debutant Rahmanullah is unbeaten on 50.