The opening Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium is heading towards a high-scoring draw, with the visitors firmly in control heading into the final day. Zimbabwe have batted with patience and determination in their second innings, building a substantial lead and making it increasingly difficult for Afghanistan to force a result.
However, amid Zimbabwe’s impressive batting display, Afghanistan pacer Saleem Safi produced a moment of brilliance on Day 5 by bowling Brian Bennett with a superb delivery. The dismissal stood out as one of the highlights of the final day’s proceedings, showcasing Safi’s ability to trouble well-set batters.
Saleem Safi produces a beauty to dismiss Brian Bennett
The dismissal was a result of excellent bowling from Safi, who used the surface cleverly to outfox Bennett. The Afghanistan pacer delivered a ball that skidded through with additional pace, leaving the Zimbabwe batter with very little time to adjust. Bennett attempted to tuck the delivery away but was late in getting his bat down. He completely missed the ball, which sneaked through the gap between his bat and pad before crashing into the top of the middle and leg stumps.
Safi immediately spread his arms in celebration as he ran away after producing a crucial breakthrough for Afghanistan. It was a beautifully executed delivery that gave Bennett no real opportunity to recover once he committed to his shot.
Here’s the video:
Saleem produces a Jaffa to dismiss the Chevrons’ captain! 👏🎯#AfghanAtalan | #AFGvZIM | #GloriousNationVictoriousTeam pic.twitter.com/3LUb2bkx7P
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) November 9, 2026
Also WATCH: Zia-ur-Rehman takes a stunning diving catch to dismiss Brian Bennett in AFG vs ZIM 1st Test
Zimbabwe strengthen their position despite Safi’s breakthrough
Meanwhile, the dismissal did little to change the overall picture of the contest, with Zimbabwe continuing to dominate proceedings on the final day. The visitors resumed their second innings at 164/3 and successfully negotiated the morning and afternoon sessions without allowing Afghanistan to build sustained pressure. By the 80-over mark, Zimbabwe had progressed to 299/4, taking their overall lead to a commanding 289 runs.
Craig Ervine has been the standout performer with the bat, displaying excellent composure and occupying the crease for an extended period. He has led the batting effort brilliantly and scored a well-deserved century.
Ervine has also received valuable support from debutant Antum Naqvi, who made the most of his opportunity by bringing up his maiden half-century in Test cricket. His contribution has further strengthened Zimbabwe’s position and helped the visitors maintain control of the game.
With Zimbabwe holding a lead of 289 runs and six wickets still available, Afghanistan face an enormous challenge to turn the contest around.The visitors have prioritised batting time and ensured that Afghanistan have very little room to mount a comeback. Unless the hosts produce something extraordinary, the opening Test appears destined to finish in a draw.
Nevertheless, Saleem Safi’s excellent delivery to dismiss Bennett provided Afghanistan with a moment to celebrate on an otherwise challenging final day.
Also WATCH: Ziaur Rahman Sharifi removes Wessly Madhevere with a fiery bouncer in AFG vs ZIM 1st Test
For latest cricket news & updates, visit CricketTimes.com.
