WATCH: Zia-ur-Rehman takes a stunning diving catch to dismiss Brian Bennett in AFG vs ZIM 1st Test
Afghanistan’s fielders came up with a moment of brilliance during the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The hosts finally managed to break a crucial partnership by dismissing Zimbabwe captain Brian Bennett, who had been holding the innings together with a composed batting display.
Bennett had already crossed the three-figure mark and was looking to guide Zimbabwe towards an imposing first-innings total. However, his attempt to accelerate against spinner Qais Ahmad resulted in a mistimed shot, allowing Zia-ur-Rehman to complete a spectacular catch and end the batter’s stay at the crease.
Zia-ur-Rehman takes a brilliant diving catch to dismiss Brian Bennett
The dismissal came in the 116th over of Zimbabwe’s first innings when Qais tossed the ball up outside off stump. Bennett stepped forward and attempted to attack the delivery, looking to clear the cover region. However, he failed to get the required connection and sent the ball high into the air.
Zia-ur-Rehman reacted quickly as he sprinted backwards to get underneath the ball before completing an excellent diving catch. The dismissal brought an end to Bennett’s brilliant knock of 128 runs off 206 deliveries, which included 11 boundaries. Qais picked up a crucial wicket for Afghanistan as Zimbabwe lost one of their most well-set batters.
Here’s the video:
ICYMI: Zia made a spectacular catch to help Qais Ahmad dismiss the Zimbabwe captain for 128 runs! 👏#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvZIM | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/scEGc0XCLN
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 6, 2026
Also WATCH: Ziaur Rahman Sharifi removes Wessly Madhevere with a fiery bouncer in AFG vs ZIM 1st Test
Brendan Taylor and Brian Bennett guide Zimbabwe to 504
Earlier, Zimbabwe made a steady start after captain Bennett won the toss and elected to bat first. Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran added 60 runs for the opening wicket, scoring 34 and 42 respectively. After Curran’s dismissal, Brendan Taylor joined Bennett and took control of the innings with an outstanding century. Taylor smashed 131 off 168 deliveries, including 14 fours and four sixes, while sharing a 137-run partnership with Bennett.
Zimbabwe lost a few quick wickets after Taylor’s dismissal, but Bennett continued to anchor the innings. Wessly Madhevere added an aggressive 54, while wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga contributed 44 runs to strengthen the visitors’ position. Zimbabwe eventually posted 504 all out in 134.3 overs, with Mohammad Saleem and Qais picking up three wickets each for Afghanistan.
Also READ: Fans erupt as Brian Bennett hits incredible century on Day 2 of AFG vs ZIM first Test
