Afghanistan and Zimbabwe finish high-scoring first Test in Sharjah as draw

Afghanistan and Zimbabwe's first Test in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, ended in a draw on Monday, November 9, 2026, after a match that yielded more than 1,500 runs; Zimbabwe chose not to declare on an unresponsive pitch.

Both sides posted large totals over the course of the match: Zimbabwe made 504 in their first innings and 523 for 5 in the second, while Afghanistan replied with 514. The encounter produced six centuries and one double century, and players contended with hot conditions during play.

Zimbabwe's first-innings 504 featured a century from No. 3 Brendan Taylor, who scored 131, and a 128 from captain Brian Bennett. Those opening contributions established the foundation for Zimbabwe's overall run accumulation in the match.

In their second innings Zimbabwe reached 523 for 5, with unbeaten contributions from Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere combining for a 208-run partnership. Veteran Craig Ervine, aged 41, compiled his first Test double hundred and finished unbeaten on 206, while offspinner Madhevere recorded his first Test century as a batsman, finishing 100 not out; Brendan Taylor added 82 in the second innings.

Afghanistan's reply produced 514, including centuries from opener Sediqullah Atal (105), No. 3 Rahmanullah (113) and captain Rahmat Shah (173) batting at No. 4. Rahmat Shah and Zia-ur-Rehman put together a national-record eighth-wicket stand of 92 runs as Zimbabwe toiled in hot conditions.

The second and final Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 13, 2026, in Sharjah. That fixture follows this drawn opening match.