Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st Test Live Score and Day 1 Updates

Zimbabwe made a steady start against Afghanistan in the opening Test of their two-match series, reaching 104/1 after 27 overs on Day 1 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, November 5.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe captain Brian Bennett elected to bat first. The hosts lost Innocent Kaia during the opening session but recovered through an unbeaten partnership between Ben Curran and Brendan Taylor.

Curran was batting on 39 off 80 deliveries, while Taylor had contributed 25 from 31 balls when Zimbabwe crossed the 100-run mark. Their partnership added valuable runs after Afghanistan picked up their first breakthrough.

Kaia Falls After a Promising Start

Innocent Kaia gave Zimbabwe a reasonable start, scoring 34 from 51 deliveries. His innings included five boundaries, helping the hosts build an opening stand worth 60 runs.

However, Afghanistan finally found a way through in the 17th over. Qais Ahmad dismissed Kaia at 60/1 in 16.4 overs, with Rahmanullah completing the catch.

That wicket gave Afghanistan an opportunity to put pressure on the middle order. Zimbabwe, though, avoided further damage.

Ben Curran took responsibility at one end, playing a patient innings and keeping the scoreboard moving. Taylor was more aggressive, finding the boundary four times in his 31-ball stay.

Their contrasting approaches helped Zimbabwe regain control after the opening wicket.

Qais Ahmad Leads Afghanistan's Bowling Attack

Qais Ahmad remained Afghanistan's only successful bowler during the first 27 overs, returning figures of 1/25 from seven overs, including one maiden.

Zia-ur-Rehman bowled nine overs and conceded 25 runs without taking a wicket. Mohammad Saleem also went wicketless, giving away 22 runs in five overs.

Afghanistan's bowling attack managed to keep the scoring rate under control for much of the session, but the partnership between Curran and Taylor prevented another breakthrough.

Zimbabwe's run rate stood at approximately 3.85, with six extras contributing to their total.

What Happens Next?

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st Test is the opening fixture of a two-match series running from November 5 to 9 at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Zimbabwe will want Curran and Taylor to extend their partnership and give the incoming batters a strong platform. Afghanistan, meanwhile, need another wicket to break the growing stand before the hosts build a commanding first-innings total.

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan live score remains an important update for both sides as the opening day's play continues.

Cricket fans in Pakistan can watch Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st Test updates live on tapmad, with live match updates and coverage of other sports.