The second Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe got off to an intriguing start at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, with both sides experiencing contrasting phases on the opening day. Zimbabwe ended Day 1 at 250/5 after 82 overs, with veteran batter Brendan Taylor closing in on a century at 96 not out. However, Afghanistan fought back strongly in the final session, thanks to debutant spinner Naseer Khan Maroofkhil, while pacer Ziaur Rahman Sharifi produced a spectacular catch to add to the visitors’ late momentum.

Ziaur Rahman Sharifi takes a superb catch

Afghanistan pacer Sharifi grabbed the spotlight with an outstanding piece of fielding to send Wessly Madhevere back to the pavilion. The incident occurred during the 66th over of Zimbabwe’s innings, with Naseer operating from the other end. Madhevere attempted to step down the track and loft the delivery over mid-off but failed to get into a comfortable position to execute the shot.

The batter eventually mistimed his attempt, sending the ball high into the air. Sharifi immediately tracked its trajectory, sprinted backwards and completed an excellent diving catch to secure the dismissal.

The Afghan pacer celebrated the moment with an emphatic roar after throwing the ball onto the ground, while Madhevere had to depart after scoring just three runs. The catch provided Afghanistan with another important breakthrough and further highlighted Sharifi’s athleticism in the field.

Here’s the video:

Brilliant catch from Sharifi to give Naseer Khan the fourth wicket on debut! 👏#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvZIM | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/EuBiZ858ih

— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 13, 2026

Also READ: Zimbabwe creates a new world record in drawn Test against Afghanistan

Afghanistan fight back after Innocent Kaia and Brendan Taylor heroics on Day 1

Zimbabwe appeared firmly in control during the opening two sessions after captain Brian Bennett won the toss and elected to bat. Openers Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran provided a solid foundation, putting together 98 runs for the first wicket. Curran was dismissed for 44 shortly after the lunch interval, with debutant Naseer trapping him leg-before-wicket on the first delivery after the break.

Kaia subsequently joined hands with Taylor, and the duo added another 102 runs to take Zimbabwe’s total to 200/1. However, Afghanistan found a way back into the contest when Naseer removed Kaia for 96 off 167 deliveries, denying the opener a maiden Test century.

The 20-year-old spinner continued his impressive spell by dismissing Zimbabwe skipper Bennett for a duck and Madhevere for three within a short period. His three quick wickets reduced the hosts from a comfortable 200/1 to a precarious 212/4. Taylor remained composed despite the collapse and continued to hold the innings together. He finished the day unbeaten on 96, having struck 12 boundaries and one six.

Sharifi added another wicket to Afghanistan’s tally in the 79th over, dismissing Antum Naqvi for eight. However, worsening light conditions brought an early end to proceedings, with Tafadzwa Tsiga unbeaten on two alongside Taylor. Zimbabwe will look to build on their remaining wickets on Day 2, while Afghanistan will aim to wrap up the innings quickly and carry their late-day momentum forward.

Also WATCH: Ziaur Rahman Sharifi removes Wessly Madhevere with a fiery bouncer in AFG vs ZIM 1st Test

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