Saleem Safi produced a superb delivery to end Ben Curran's patient innings in the opening Test against Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe built a strong platform on Day 1, with Brendan Taylor leading the charge after the dismissal of the opener.

Afghanistan and Zimbabwe locked horns in the first Test at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with the visitors winning the toss and opting to bat first. Zimbabwe openers Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia gave their side a steady start, putting together a 60-run partnership to negotiate the new-ball challenge.

However, Afghanistan eventually found a breakthrough through Qais Ahmad, who dismissed Kaia for 34. Curran continued to hold one end together alongside Brendan Taylor before Mohammad Saleem Safi produced a terrific delivery to send the opener back to the pavilion.

Saleem Safi rattles Ben Curran’s stumps with a brilliant yorker

Afghanistan eventually found another breakthrough through Safi in the 35th over. The pacer delivered a superb yorker from around the wicket, targeting the base of the stumps as Curran attempted to squeeze the ball away. The Zimbabwe batter was slightly late in bringing his bat down and was completely beaten by the delivery, which crashed into the stumps.

Curran departed after scoring 42 runs off 113 deliveries, including three boundaries. Safi was visibly delighted with the dismissal and celebrated with a loud grunt, knowing Afghanistan had finally broken the partnership. The wicket also gave the hosts an opportunity to put pressure on Zimbabwe after the visitors had built a solid platform during the opening session.

Here’s the video:

Salem bowls a pinpoint yorker and brings up a huge roar! 🎯

Zimbabwe lose both their openers as Afghanistan strike again! 👏#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvZIM | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/wNdqsEkkb0

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 5, 2026

Brendan Taylor leads Zimbabwe’s recovery after Ben Curran’s dismissal

Despite losing Curran, Zimbabwe did not allow Afghanistan to build further momentum. Taylor continued his aggressive approach and took charge of the innings, putting the Afghan bowlers under pressure with his boundary-hitting ability. He brought up a well-deserved half-century, having struck six fours and four sixes during his stay at the crease. Captain Brian Bennett provided valuable support to Taylor after coming in at number four.

The pair ensured that Zimbabwe did not lose another wicket during the remainder of the session, steadily building their partnership and keeping the scoreboard moving. For Afghanistan, Safi and Qais were the only wicket-takers as the hosts will be looking to make further inroads when play resumes, while Zimbabwe will hope Taylor and Bennett can extend their partnership and take the first-innings total towards a commanding score.