Ervine and Bennett's Centuries Put Zimbabwe in Complete Control
Centuries from Craig Ervine and Brian Bennett put Zimbabwe firmly in charge of the first Test against Afghanistan in Bulawayo. After Sean Williams' brilliant 154, Ervine and Bennett’s sublime knocks helped Zimbabwe reach a commanding 586, their highest-ever Test total. Afghanistan, in response, ended Day 2 at 95/2, trailing by 491 runs with Rahmat Shah unbeaten on 49.
Zimbabwe, who resumed Day 2 at 363/4, lost overnight centurion Sean Williams early in the day, but not before he had posted his career-best score and second 150-plus innings. Williams' dismissal for 154 ended a 163-run partnership, but Zimbabwe quickly gained momentum with Ervine and Bennett. Ervine, who reached his fourth Test century, was supported well by Bennett as they steered Zimbabwe past the 450-mark.
Zia-ur-Rehman struck twice in quick succession, sending Ervine and Brandon Mavuta back in the same over, leaving Zimbabwe at 471/7 at the end of the first session. Post-lunch, Bennett carried the baton, registering his maiden fifty-plus score in Test cricket. He was well supported by debutant Newman Nyamhuri and Blessing Muzarabani, with both adding valuable partnerships for the eighth and ninth wickets.
Bennett’s resilience paid off as he reached his maiden Test century, following a stroke of fortune when a catch at deep square leg was ruled to have gone for six. Zimbabwe’s total surpassed their previous highest Test score of 563, set against the West Indies in 2001.
With Zimbabwe posting 586, Afghanistan’s response was cautious. A strong partnership between Rahmat Shah and Abdul Malik steadied the Afghan innings, but Zimbabwe tightened the screws with timely breakthroughs. Muzarabani removed Malik with a short ball before Zimbabwe relied on spin in the gloomy conditions. Rahmat and Hashmatullah Shahidi capitalized with some quick boundaries before bad light halted play, leaving Afghanistan trailing by 491 runs at Stumps on Day 2.
Brief Scores: Zimbabwe 586 (Sean Williams 154, Brian Bennett 110*, Craig Ervine 104; AM Ghazanfar 3-127) lead Afghanistan 95/2 (Rahmat Shah 49*; Blessing Muzarabani 1-15) by 491 runs.
