Fans erupt as Brian Bennett hits incredible century on Day 2 of AFG vs ZIM first Test

Zimbabwe captain Brian Bennett continued his impressive run with the bat, producing a magnificent century on Day 2 of the opening Test against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The 22-year-old showcased remarkable maturity and confidence, combining calculated strokeplay with attacking intent to strengthen Zimbabwe’s position in the contest.

Bennett, who took over the captaincy responsibilities following Richard Ngarava‘s injury, resumed his innings on Friday after finishing Day 1 unbeaten on 71. Having already demonstrated excellent temperament in the first session, the young batter carried his momentum into the second day and converted his promising start into a memorable three-figure score.

Brian Bennett and Brendan Taylor put Afghanistan under pressure

Bennett played a crucial role in Zimbabwe’s dominant batting performance, sharing an important 137-run partnership for the third wicket with experienced campaigner Brendan Taylor. The latter had been the standout performer on the opening day, registering an impressive 131 to put the visitors in a commanding position.

Their partnership proved particularly valuable against an Afghan bowling attack expected to become increasingly threatening as the Sharjah surface deteriorated. However, the Zimbabwean batters displayed excellent shot selection and composure, preventing the opposition’s spinners from establishing control.

Young Zimbabwe captain reaches three-figure mark

Returning to the middle on Day 2, Bennett looked completely comfortable despite the challenging conditions. Rather than rushing towards his century, he continued to build his innings patiently, rotating the strike effectively and capitalising on scoring opportunities whenever the Afghan bowlers offered loose deliveries.

His ability to maintain consistency while dealing with the pressure of leading his national side made the innings even more impressive. The century represents another significant achievement in Bennett’s rapidly developing international career and highlights his growing importance to Zimbabwe cricket.

With several senior players unavailable, the youngster has taken responsibility at a crucial moment and delivered exactly the kind of innings his team needed. Bennett’s outstanding contribution helped Zimbabwe strengthen their grip on the opening Test. By the lunch interval on Day 2, the visitors had progressed to 421/6, with their captain still at the crease on an unbeaten 123.

Also WATCH: Saleem Safi castles Ben Curran with a brilliant yorker in AFG vs ZIM 1st Test

Here’s how fans reacted:

A maiden Test century as captain for Brian Bennett! Take a bow 🙇‍♂️

His third in the format.

Well played, Bennie! 💪🏏#AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/fTsY2j7gmC

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) November 6, 2026

History made.

At 22 years 361 days, Brian Bennett becomes the 2nd youngest test centurion on captaincy debut pic.twitter.com/xxP1WAGxn6

— Aman Patel (@lilbrownykid) November 6, 2026

And a well-played century from the (real) national treasure BRIAN J BENNETT!!! https://t.co/VuNnynsytf

— Tinotenda Murove (@tino_54) November 6, 2026

Brian Bennett becomes 4th batter to record Century in his first Test as Captain for Zimbabwe 🇿🇼

Since 2010 – a total of 11 players have went onto record Century in his first Test as Captain.

Rahmat Shah & Brian Bennett are recent ones#AFGvZIM #AFGvsZIM pic.twitter.com/tcc7JyfmXf

— sudharshan sridharan (@sudharshansrid1) November 6, 2026

CAPTAIN BRIAN BENNETT — 3rd Test 100! 🔥🇿🇼

The captain is becoming a record breaker! 🫡💯

What a way to lead from the front. Captain’s knock! 👑🏏 pic.twitter.com/xYzigUvJ59

— Norman Chibhabha (@noxbhabha) November 6, 2026

Brilliant 100 by Brian Bennett. Finally after a lean patch he has finally scored. Hopefully Zim management realizes that for Odis too he should be batting at 3/4

— Dark Destroyer (@DarkDes2004) November 6, 2026

Brian Bennett Score Test Hundred on Captaincy debut.
His 3rd Test Hundred. 🔥

— Hus Nain (@H11USNAIN) November 6, 2026

Captain Brian Bennett!!! 💯. The starboy is back with a bang. Brilliant century on his Test captaincy debut and batting at 4. Superb knock captain. More work to be done though. Lets get as close to 500 as we possibly can.

— TR7 🇿🇼 (@Mar0ney) November 6, 2026

💯 BRIAN BENNETT
Zimbabwe’s captain brings up his third Test century, in his first Test in charge 🧢🇿🇼
He reached 100 off 178 balls with a four off Ziaur Rahman.
🇿🇼 392/6 (103.1 ov)#CricketAfrica #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/RJluAhUZ0H

— Cricket Africa (@cricketafrica_) November 6, 2026

What company to be in! 👏🇿🇼

And at just 22, Brian Bennett is the youngest player on this list to score a century on Test captaincy debut. Well done, young man!

Interestingly, another Zimbabwean holds the record for the youngest Test captain to score a century – Tatenda Taibu,… pic.twitter.com/AqlwfMV95q

— Godwin Mamhiyo (@GodwinMamhiyo) November 6, 2026

Brian Bennett brings up his century no.3 in Tests 🤩#BrianBennett #AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/Dag7XwfTtA

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) November 6, 2026

Also READ: Fans react as Brendan Taylor smashes brilliant century on Day 1 of AFG vs ZIM 1st Test