Afghanistan Strikes Early in Zimbabwe Test
Mohammad Saleem Safi removed opener Ben Curran with a yorker as Zimbabwe built a platform on the first day at Sharjah.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Tennis
Zimbabwe's Ben Curran was dismissed for 42 after Mohammad Saleem Safi delivered a yorker in the 35th over of the first Test against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Brendan Taylor and Brian Bennett then built a partnership, and no further wickets fell during the session.
Why it matters
The first Test is in its opening day, so the early balance of the match is still open. Zimbabwe's position after the first session depends on whether Taylor and Bennett can extend their stand.
Curran faced 113 deliveries for his 42 runs, including three boundaries, while the opening pair added 60 runs before Kaia fell for 34. Taylor's half-century came off six fours and four sixes.
The players
Mohammad Saleem Safi
Afghan fast bowler who took the wicket of Ben Curran with a yorker on the first day.
Brendan Taylor
Experienced Zimbabwe batter who scored a half-century and built a partnership after Curran's dismissal.
The details
Afghanistan won the toss and chose to bat first, and Qais Ahmad removed Innocent Kaia. Safi later dismissed Curran with a yorker that crashed into the stumps after the batter was slightly late in bringing his bat down.
Timeline
Day 1 of the first Test, with Curran dismissed in the 35th over.
Season Trajectory
This opening day is the first step in a series that will shape Zimbabwe's and Afghanistan's Test standing over the coming months. A strong first innings for Zimbabwe could give them a foothold in the match, while Afghanistan's early wickets keep the contest open.
Zimbabwe's middle order will need to hold the innings together to turn a 60-run opening stand into a competitive total. Afghanistan's bowlers have the early wickets, so their next two sessions will set the pace for the remainder of day one.
The takeaway
Early wickets in a Test match can reshape the entire contest, and the partnerships that follow often decide whether a team recovers. Watching how the middle order responds in the next session shows how the first day is likely to unfold.
Further reading
For more on competitive sport at the international level, see the Tennis section.
