Pakistan, Nov. 5 -- Brendan Taylor delivered a commanding performance as Zimbabwe reached 326-5 on the opening day of the first Test against Afghanistan. The 40-year-old batter scored his seventh Test century at Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Thursday. Taylor struck 131 from 168 deliveries, hitting 14 boundaries and four sixes. Meanwhile, Brian Bennett remained unbeaten on 71 to strengthen Zimbabwe's position.

Zimbabwe chose to bat first and their openers provided a steady start. Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran added 60 runs before Qais Ahmad broke the partnership. Kaia departed for 34 off 51 balls, including five boundaries. Curran then joined Taylor at the crease as Zimbabwe looked to build a bigger total.

Taylor and Curran put together a 65...