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Fans react as Brendan Taylor smashes brilliant century on Day 1 of AFG vs ZIM 1st Test

By AsiaEurope



Brendan Taylor rolled back the years with a magnificent batting display on the opening day of the first Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The experienced Zimbabwean batter showcased his class and determination, producing a memorable century to put his team in a commanding position.

At 40, Taylor demonstrated that age has done little to diminish his batting abilities. His outstanding knock helped Zimbabwe reach 227/2, giving the visitors a strong platform to build a substantial first-innings total. The veteran also achieved a significant personal milestone, becoming the second-oldest player to register a Test hundred since the beginning of the 21st century.

Brendan Taylor hits his seventh Test century

Taylor looked comfortable at the crease and gradually took control of the innings against Afghanistan’s bowling attack. Having settled into his innings, the right-handed batter shifted gears and continued to find the boundaries with remarkable ease.

The landmark moment arrived in the 58th over when Taylor struck Mohammad Saleem for a boundary to complete his seventh century in Test cricket. He required just 146 deliveries to reach the three-figure mark, underlining his ability to combine patience with attacking strokeplay in the longest format.

His innings featured 11 fours and four sixes, reflecting the authority with which he dominated the Afghan bowlers. Taylor’s shot selection and timing stood out throughout his stay, as he punished loose deliveries while ensuring the scoreboard continued to move.

Brian Bennett provides valuable support

While Taylor grabbed the headlines with his spectacular hundred, young batter Brian Bennett played an equally important role in Zimbabwe’s strong position. The pair stitched together a century partnership, building on the foundation laid earlier in the innings. Their understanding at the crease allowed Zimbabwe to maintain control, with both batters finding ways to counter Afghanistan’s bowling attack.

Taylor, in particular, displayed excellent awareness by rotating the strike regularly and preventing the opposition from settling into a rhythm. Whenever the Afghan bowlers offered scoring opportunities, he was quick to capitalise. The partnership also helped Zimbabwe negotiate Afghanistan’s spin challenge effectively, leaving the visitors in a promising position heading into the remaining sessions.

Also WATCH: Saleem Safi castles Ben Curran with a brilliant yorker in AFG vs ZIM 1st Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

Also READ: Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah opens up about Rashid Khan’s future in Test cricket





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