Brendan Taylor’s eighth Test century helped Zimbabwe post 319, while Afghanistan stumbled to 159/6 on Day 2, leaving them 180 runs behind at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Zimbabwe strengthened their position in the second Test against Afghanistan after producing an impressive performance on the second day at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

A crucial century from Brendan Taylor and a three-wicket haul from Blessing Muzarabani put the visitors in a commanding position.

Afghanistan ended the day at 159/6 after 48 overs in their first innings, still trailing Zimbabwe by 180 runs with four wickets remaining.

Afsar Zazai was unbeaten on 33, while debutant Naseer Khan Maroofkhil had scored three runs at stumps.

Zimbabwe resumed their first innings at 250/5, with Taylor and Tafadzwa Tsiga continuing their overnight partnership. The pair added 42 runs before Taylor was dismissed shortly after completing his eighth Test century.

The experienced batter delivered an important contribution of 119 runs from 217 balls, hitting 14 boundaries and one six. His innings provided the foundation for Zimbabwe’s total of 319, as the team was eventually bowled out after 114.5 overs.

Tsiga departed shortly afterwards for 20, while Zimbabwe suffered further setbacks and slipped to 312/9. However, Brad Evans contributed valuable runs towards the end, finishing unbeaten on 32 from 50 deliveries.

For Afghanistan, Maroofkhil produced an outstanding bowling performance, claiming seven wickets for 151 runs in 44 overs. Ziaur Rahman picked up two wickets, while Yamin Ahmadzai managed one.

Afghanistan’s reply began poorly as openers Sediqullah Atal and Abdul Malik were dismissed cheaply, leaving the hosts struggling at 27/2.

Rahmanullah and Hashmatullah Shahidi attempted to stabilise the innings through a 46-run partnership. Rahmanullah scored 34 from 44 balls before Vincent Masekesa ended his stay.

Shahidi and captain Rahmat Shah also reached 30 runs each but could not convert their starts into substantial contributions. Their dismissals left Afghanistan at 154/6, increasing Zimbabwe’s control over the contest.

Meanwhile, Zazai remained unbeaten and will resume Afghanistan’s innings alongside Maroofkhil on the third day.

Muzarabani led Zimbabwe’s bowling attack with three wickets for 31 runs in 13 overs. Masekesa claimed two wickets, while Evans added another.

With Afghanistan still 180 runs behind and only four wickets remaining, Zimbabwe will look to finish the innings quickly and build a substantial advantage in the remaining stages of the Test.