Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe remains finely poised in the first Test at Sharjah, with Afghanistan reducing Zimbabwe’s advantage after a strong batting response on Sunday, November 8.
The latest International Cricket Council match-centre update had Afghanistan at 419 for seven in the first innings, still 85 runs behind Zimbabwe’s total of 504.
Play is taking place at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the United Arab Emirates, with the match scheduled from November 5 to November 9.
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Afghanistan Vs Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe post imposing first-innings total
Zimbabwe were bowled out for 504 in 134.3 overs after winning the toss and choosing to bat.
Brendan Taylor led the scoring with 131, while captain Brian Bennett added 128 as Zimbabwe built a sizeable platform in the middle order.
Wessly Madhevere contributed 54 and wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga made 44, helping Zimbabwe recover from a difficult start and push beyond the 500-run mark.
Afghanistan’s leading wicket-takers were Qais Ahmad and Zia-ur-Rehman Akbar, who shared the main burden of containing Zimbabwe’s extended first innings.
Afghanistan answer with three significant scores
Afghanistan’s reply was powered initially by Sediqullah Atal, who scored 105, and Rahmanullah Zadran, who made 113 on his Test debut.
The pair produced a major second-wicket partnership that prevented Zimbabwe from taking control after the early loss of Abdul Malik.
Rahmat Shah then anchored the innings through the later stages and reached his century as Afghanistan continued to chase down the deficit.
Shah’s contribution has been particularly important after Afghanistan lost several wickets around the middle of the innings and needed a stabilising partnership with the lower order.
Nyamhuri gives Zimbabwe a chance
Newman Nyamhuri has been Zimbabwe’s most effective bowler, taking four wickets and repeatedly breaking partnerships when Afghanistan appeared to be closing the gap.
His spell kept Zimbabwe in contention despite Afghanistan’s three centuries and limited the hosts’ opportunity to convert their strong start into a first-innings lead.
Zimbabwe’s fielders will now be focused on removing the remaining Afghan batters quickly and securing a lead before the final day.
What happens next
Afghanistan’s immediate objective is to erase the remaining deficit and, if possible, move ahead of Zimbabwe before the innings ends.
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will want to finish the Afghanistan innings with enough time remaining to make a meaningful second-innings push.
The first Test is the opening match of a two-Test series.
The second Test is scheduled to begin at Sharjah on November 13.
The teams previously completed a multi-format UAE tour that included one-day and Twenty20 matches before switching to the longer format.
With Afghanistan still behind but possessing established batters at the crease, the result remains open.
A sizeable Afghan lead would alter the balance of the match, while a quick Zimbabwe finish could put pressure on Afghanistan before the final day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe score?
The latest ICC match-centre update had Afghanistan at 419 for seven in reply to Zimbabwe’s 504 all out.
Where is Afghanistan vs Zimbabwe being played?
The first Test is being played at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Who scored centuries in the match?
Zimbabwe’s Brendan Taylor and Brian Bennett scored centuries, while Afghanistan’s Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Zadran and Rahmat Shah also reached three figures.
Who has taken the most wickets for Zimbabwe?
Newman Nyamhuri has been Zimbabwe’s leading bowler in Afghanistan’s first innings, with four wickets in the latest update.
When is the second Test?
The second Test is scheduled to begin in Sharjah on November 13, 2026.
Fact-Checked: Key scores, player performances, venue details and series dates were checked against the ICC match centre and official series information.
Disclaimer: This is a live match update and the score may change as play continues.