Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett slams century on Test captaincy debut: Stats
What's the story
Zimbabwean batting sensation Brian Bennett brought up an impressive century on Day 2 of the first Test against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The 22-year-old, who took over captaincy after Richard Ngarava's injury, resumed his innings on Friday after finishing Day 1 unbeaten on 71. He displayed remarkable maturity and confidence in his batting to help Zimbabwe take a strong position in the match. Here are further details.
Key collaboration
Bennett's crucial role in Zimbabwe's strong batting display
Bennett, who arrived at four, played a crucial role in Zimbabwe's strong batting display, forming a vital 137-run partnership for the third wicket with seasoned player and fellow centurion Brendan Taylor.
The latter had starred on Day 1, scoring an impressive 131 to put the visitors in a commanding position.
Their partnership was especially important against an Afghan bowling attack that was expected to get more dangerous as the Sharjah surface deteriorated.
Personal achievement
A remarkable ton for Bennett
Bennett's century is another major milestone in his rapidly growing international career and underscores his increasing importance to Zimbabwe cricket.
He was involved in another 96-run stand with Wessly Madhevere, who made 54.
Bennett was eventually dismissed for 128 off 206 balls, leaving his side at a score of 437/7.
This knock was laced with 11 fours.
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Fourth Zimbabwean with this feat
As per Cricinfo, Bennett became the fourth Zimbabwean to score a hundred on his Test captaincy debut.
At just 22 years and 360 days old at the time, Bennett also became Zimbabwe's second-youngest captain to score a Test hundred.
Overall, this was his third Test ton as he also owns as many fifties.
Across 13 matches (21 innings), the star batter has racked up 696 runs at 36.63.
Two of his tons have come across five innings versus Afghanistan (246 runs at 61.5).
Information
Madhevere's third Test fifty
Madhevere smashed nine fours en route to his 70-ball 54. This was his third Test fifty, which took him to 375 runs across 10 Tests at 25. He had ducks in each of his previous three innings against the Afghan side.