Brendan Taylor Becomes Oldest Zimbabwean To Score Test Century With Historic Knock vs Afghanistan

Mayank

Brendan Taylor's record-breaking century vs Afghanistan [Source: Zimbabwe Cricket/X.com]

Zimbabwe dominated Afghanistan on Day 1 of the first Test at the iconic Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday, as veteran Brendan Taylor racked up a memorable century. With the century, he ended his 8-year wait for a century in the format and entered multiple record books.

Courtesy of Taylor’s knock at number 3, Zimbabwe, who were coming into the match with four consecutive losses on the tour, find themselves in a promising position in the first innings. They have already reached 326/5 at stumps on Day 1.

Brendan Taylor becomes oldest Test centurion for Zimbabwe

The former Zimbabwe captain, who recently became Zimbabwe's highest run-scorer in ODIs walked in to bat at 60/1 towards the end of the 17th over on Day 1 after the Africans batted first. Soon, he lost his partner Ben Curran at 125 before building a 137(200) partnership with captain Brian Bennett.

By the time Taylor got out in the 3rd session, he scored 131 off 168 balls with 14 fours and four sixes, putting the team in a strong position. With this, Taylor became the oldest Zimbabwean to score a Test century, breaking teammate Craig Ervine's record set in 2024.

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Oldest Test centurions for Zimbabwe

Brendan Taylor (131) - 40 years 272 days vs Afghanistan, Sharjah, 2026*
Craig Ervine (104) - 39 years 129 days vs Afghanistan, Bulawayo, 2024
Sean Williams (137) - 38 years 275 days vs South Africa, Bulawayo, 2025

Other notable records broken by Taylor with century vs Afghanistan

Scoring his 7th Test century, the 40-year-old surpassed Zimbabwe great Grant Flower and former teammate Sean Williams's century tally. Only the legendary Andy Flower has more tons for the Chevrons.

Most Test centuries for Zimbabwe

Andy Flower - 12
Brendan Taylor - 7*
Grant Flower and Sean Williams - 6

Lastly, Taylor became the only third player in his 40s to surpass the three-figure mark in Test cricket in the 21st century. Only Misbah-ul-Haq has scored a Test hundred at an older age after 2000.