Zimbabwe produced a strong batting display to reach 326/5 at stumps on the opening day of the first Test against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Veteran batter Brendan Taylor led the visitors’ charge with an impressive 131, while captain Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 71 after Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat.

Zimbabwe’s start was positive, with Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia putting together an opening partnership of 60 runs. Kaia was dismissed for 34, but Curran continued to build the innings, adding 65 runs with Taylor before falling for 42.

Taylor then took charge, producing an assured innings to reach his seventh Test century and his first in around eight years. He struck a series of boundaries against Afghanistan’s spinners, making good use of his sweep shot to keep the scoring rate moving.

His dismissal, however, briefly gave Afghanistan hope. The hosts fought back with a spell of three wickets that saw Zimbabwe slip from 262/2 to 287/5.

Afghanistan captain Rahmat Shah and the bowling attack appeared to have regained some control, but Bennett held firm at the other end, bringing up a valuable half-century.

Wessly Madhevere provided further momentum late in the day with an aggressive unbeaten 29 from 31 deliveries, including a flurry of boundaries against Qais Ahmad.

At the close, Bennett was unbeaten on 71 from 128 balls, with Madhevere on 29, as the pair guided Zimbabwe to 326/5 after 87 overs.

Zia-ur-Rehman was Afghanistan’s most successful bowler, claiming two wickets, while Qais Ahmad and Mohammad Saleem Safi took one each. Hashmatullah Shahidi also picked up a wicket.

Afghanistan made two changes to their side for the match, bringing in Sharifi and giving Rahmanullah another opportunity.

Zimbabwe will resume on Friday looking to build on their strong position and push towards a first-innings total beyond 400. Afghanistan, meanwhile, face the task of making early breakthroughs to prevent Zimbabwe from taking an even stronger grip on the contest.

The second and final Test of the series is scheduled to take place at Sharjah from November 13 to 17.