Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan 1st Test Day 2 Live Score and Updates

Zimbabwe moved to 360/5 in their first innings against Afghanistan on Day 2 of the opening Test at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with captain Brian Bennett closing in on a century after Brendan Taylor's outstanding 131.

The visitors resumed the second day's play with a solid platform and continued to add runs through Bennett and Wesley Madhevere. Bennett was unbeaten on 88 off 152 balls, while Madhevere contributed 46 from just 53 deliveries as Zimbabwe strengthened their position in the first session.

Taylor had done most of the damage on the opening day. The experienced batter produced 131 from 168 deliveries, striking 14 fours and four sixes to give Zimbabwe control of the innings. It was an important contribution from the veteran, who had gone almost eight years without a Test century.

His dismissal at 262/3 briefly opened the door for Afghanistan. Zimbabwe then lost Craig Ervine for four and Antum Naqvi for nine, slipping to 287/5. However, Bennett stayed at the crease and prevented the bowling attack from building further pressure.

Bennett and Madhevere extend Zimbabwe's lead

Bennett has looked comfortable at the crease, finding six boundaries while maintaining a steady scoring rate. His partnership with Madhevere has also helped Zimbabwe recover from the loss of two quick wickets.

Madhevere, meanwhile, has been more aggressive. His 46-run contribution includes eight fours, with a strike rate of 86.79. The pair have added valuable runs without allowing Afghanistan to take another wicket.

For Afghanistan, Zia-ur-Rehman has been the most successful bowler, claiming two wickets for 123 runs in 31 overs. Mohammad Saleem has picked up one wicket, while Qais Ahmad and Hashmatullah Shahidi have also made breakthroughs.

Afghanistan need early wickets

Afghanistan entered the match after winning all three T20Is against Zimbabwe in the preceding series. However, the longer format presents a different challenge, particularly with Zimbabwe's experienced batting group finding its rhythm.

The visitors won the toss and elected to bat at Sharjah, where both Tests of the series are scheduled to take place. The opening match runs until November 9, followed by the second Test from November 13 to 17.

The Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan live score currently favours the visitors, who have five wickets remaining and a strong opportunity to push beyond 400.

Afghanistan will need to break the Bennett-Madhevere partnership quickly before the lower order adds further runs. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will want their captain to convert his unbeaten 88 into a hundred and give the team an even stronger first-innings total.

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