Brendan Taylor rolled back the years with a magnificent century on Day 1 of AFG vs ZIM first Test.

The experienced Zimbabwean batter showcased his class and determination, producing a memorable century to put his team in a commanding position.

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.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Brendan Taylor, What a player! 🤩#AFGvZIM 📝: https://t.co/kBcC008pdh pic.twitter.com/dx6INbS5yn

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) November 5, 2026

7th Test Century Brendan Taylor, What a player! 🤩#AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/SK1D5W1mYD

— Ali Ahmed Paraje🇿🇼🇲🇼 (@aliahmedparaje) November 5, 2026

💯 for Brendan Taylor and his 7th in Test cricket 🙌#BrendanTaylor #AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/Rl74kKjzfe

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 5, 2026

Ronaldo Retires. Kohli ages 38 and nears retirement.

Brendan Taylor in his 3rd stint in International Cricket scores a 100 and looks strongs for more years to come

Brilliant

— Salfee (@Salfee12) November 5, 2026

Brendan Taylor 😍

— Martyn McGrath 🇲🇼🇿🇦🇿🇼 (@MartynMCGrath) November 5, 2026

Brendan Taylor scored a Hundred at the age of 40.#BrendanTaylor #ZIMvsAFG pic.twitter.com/Jjmh0tptZX

— Tamanna e Dil (@ishqsufiyana00) November 5, 2026

Congratulations to Brendan Taylor on his 100,legend #AfgvsZim

— Scud (@HEBobiScud) November 5, 2026

Brendan Taylor 🐐

— Tino. (@tinotenda_sk) November 5, 2026

TEST HUNDRED AT AGE 40:

BRENDAN TAYLOR ROARS AGAIN! 🇿🇼🔥 pic.twitter.com/ZU3ZqOp98x

— Hemant Bhavsar (@hemantbhavsar86) November 5, 2026

So happy for Brendan Taylor! 💯🙌🏻

But really, Zimbabwe have really prioritized Test cricket in the last 2 years, and they deserve to be in the WTC https://t.co/uiwRQWR9h6

— Karan 👾 (@iamkaran_815) November 5, 2026