Zimbabwe veteran Brendan Taylor continued his fine form against Afghanistan in the second Test at Sharjah Cricket Stadium as he scored another century on Day 2 of the ongoing Test match. The 40-year old right hander reached three figures today during the day’s play .
Taylor began the second day’s play unbeaten on 96 after narrowly missing a century in the first innings. He turned his overnight score into 119 runs to produce another memorable performance for Zimbabwe in the longest format.
His latest hundred came after a brilliant 131 in the first Test which demonstrated how important he is to Zimbabwe’s batting line-up for this series.
Brendan Taylor Continues Excellent Form at 40
Taylor’s performance against Afghanistan has been one of the talking points of the two-match Test series.
In the first Test he made 131 and Zimbabwe scored a big total. He did the same in the second Test as patience and control against Afghanistan’s bowling attack.
His 119 runs came off 217 deliveries in Sharjah. The knock showed his ability to build an innings, rotate strike and punish loose balls.
At 40 Taylor has been Zimbabwe’s most valuable player. His knowledge of Test cricket and his experience have given Zimbabwe stability in the middle order.
Zimbabwe Make Strong Start in Second Test
Second Test between Afghanistan and Zimbabwe started on 13 November at Sharjah Cricket Stadium.
Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to bat first. Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia laid a solid platform before Afghanistan bowlers started getting into their act.
Curran made 44 and Kaia just missed a century (96) after falling short. Both helped Zimbabwe build a platform.
Taylor then had to keep the innings together. His partnership-building approach got Zimbabwe back on track after losing wickets and moving towards a competitive first innings total.
Naseer Khan Maroofkhil Takes Five Wickets
Afghanistan’s debutant left arm spinner Naseer Khan Maroofkhil was one of the bowlers to impress with the ball.
He troubled Zimbabwe batters all through the innings and eventually got a five-wicket haul. His bowling figures were five wickets for 134 runs from 41 overs.
Although Afghanistan tried to restrict the visitors Taylor’s century and contributions from the other Zimbabwe batters kept them in the match.
Zimbabwe Look to Build First-Innings Advantage
The second Test is crucial for both sides after the high-scoring draw in the first game.
Zimbabwe will want to get a big first innings total and put Afghanistan under pressure when they come out to bat.
Taylor’s consistent form has given Zimbabwe a massive lift. His 131 in the first Test and 119 in the second show his excellent run throughout the series.
A Memorable Series for Brendan Taylor
Brendan Taylor’s latest century is another reminder of his experience and contribution to Zimbabwean cricket.
To get two Test hundreds in the two matches against Afghanistan at the age of 40 is something special.
Zimbabwe will hope that Taylor’s fine form continues in Sharjah Test and inspires the rest of the batting line-up and gets them a positive result in the series.
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