1st Test: Zimbabwe post 504; Afghanistan's Rahmanullah, Atal show resistance
What's the story
Zimbabwe posted a mammoth total of 504 runs on Day 2 of the first Test against Afghanistan in Sharjah. The innings was built on centuries from Brendan Taylor and Brian Bennett. In response, Afghanistan's debutant Rahmanullah and opener Sediqullah Atal led a strong counterattack with an unbeaten partnership at stumps. Here are further details from the day's play.
Match progress
Bennett joins Taylor in centurion's club
Starting the day at 326/5, Bennett joined Day 1's hero Taylor in scoring a century.
Wessly Madhevere also contributed with a half-century while lower-order batsmen kept Afghanistan's bowlers busy well into the post-lunch session.
Despite facing a barrage of short balls from Afghanistan's seamers, Bennett remained unbothered and brought up Zimbabwe's 400 later in the 104th over.
Lower order support
Zimbabwe get to a massive score
Bennett, on his Test captaincy debut, reached his century with a hard slash for four in the 104th over.
A fine catch ended Bennett's innings as he tried to go after a tossed-up Qais Ahmad delivery but could only find a diving Zia-ur-Rehman. He fell for 128 runs.
Graeme Cremer, who returned to the Test team after nearly nine years, joined Tadafzwa Tsiga at the crease and helped Zimbabwe.
Cremer scored a 51-ball 34 whereas Tsiga managed 44 off 81 balls.
Counterattack
Afghanistan's openers counter Zimbabwe's spinners
Afghanistan's innings got off to a shaky start with Atal getting two lucky breaks.
He was dropped first ball by Blessing Muzarabani at gully and then again when Innocent Kaia spilled another chance.
Abdul Malik was dismissed for 2 runs in the 6th over with Afghanistan being 14/1.
Atal and Rahmanullah put up a solid stand against Zimbabwe's spinners.
They successfully negotiated Graeme Cremer's round-the-wicket angle and used their sweeps effectively to counter the leggie.
Partnership
Maiden Test fifties for Atal and Rahmanullah
The duo of Atal and Rahmanullah remained unbeaten till the end of Day 2, with both reaching their maiden Test fifties.
The pair's resilience came despite Zimbabwe bringing back their fast bowlers in hopes of creating an opening.
However, the day ended prematurely due to a Muzarabani bouncer hitting Rahmanullah on his helmet and prompting a concussion check.
Atal is unbeaten on 55 off 114 balls. Rahmanullah has scored 50* off 83 balls.
A 99*-run stand has been added.