ZIM vs AFG: Fans erupt as Ben Curran lights up Harare with maiden Test century

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A remarkable innings from Ben Curran set the Harare Sports Club ablaze on Day 2 of the one-off Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan. The left-handed opener, playing with patience and precision, registered his maiden Test century — an achievement that not only delighted the home crowd but also strengthened Zimbabwe’s grip on the match.

The day began with Zimbabwe in a promising position at 130/2, already holding a slight first-innings lead after dismissing Afghanistan for just 127 on Day 1. Curran, unbeaten overnight, continued from where he left off, converting his fifty into a memorable three-figure score that showcased both temperament and timing. His innings was decorated with crisp drives, deft deflections, and a calm presence under pressure.

Facing Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi, Curran brought up his hundred in trademark fashion — working the ball through mid-wicket for a single. As the crowd rose in unison, Curran removed his helmet and raised his bat, acknowledging the applause and soaking in the moment. It was a defining achievement not only for him but also for the Curran family.

With this century, Curran became the only member of the Curran family to have registered hundreds in both Test and ODI formats — a proud feat that would surely resonate back home in England and Zimbabwe. His innings provided the stability Zimbabwe needed at the top, ensuring their dominance continued deep into the second day.

By the time Zimbabwe reached 290/5 in 83 overs, Curran’s influence was evident. His partnership with the middle order steered the hosts into a commanding position, making Afghanistan’s bowlers toil hard on an unresponsive surface.

The foundation for Zimbabwe’s dominance was laid on the opening day. Brad Evans’ fiery spell dismantled Afghanistan’s top order as he claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul. Blessing Muzarabani’s pace and accuracy complemented Evans perfectly, as he picked up three crucial wickets.

Afghanistan, who once looked steady at 77/2, suffered a dramatic collapse to be bowled out for 127 in just 32.3 overs. The tourists’ batting lineup, lacking patience and discipline, crumbled under sustained pressure.

In reply, Zimbabwe’s top order seized control swiftly. While openers got off to steady starts, Curran was the standout performer, blending caution with aggression in a well-paced innings that lifted the hosts to a significant advantage.

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A brilliant test match century for the fantastic Ben Curran! His first in white for Zimbabwe and the first century for a Zimbabwean opener at home since 2017.

What a knock🇿🇼

— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) October 21, 2025

A maiden Test century for Ben Curran 👏

📝 https://t.co/93lIGK7GOQ#ZIMvAFG #ExperienceZimbabwe

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) October 21, 2025

Well done Ben

Curran 💯 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

— T-Kay_91 (@Tkay913) October 21, 2025

Ben Curran has smashed his first Test century 🙌👏#BenCurran #AFGvZIM

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 21, 2025

100✅️Certified opener✅️🏏🏏🏏🔥🔥🔥🇿🇼🇿🇼🇿🇼Ben Ruzvidzo Curran lets get in🔥🔥🔥These guys surely know how to respond to critics.

— Maita dziva (@MaitaDziva) October 21, 2025

Ben Curran – You beauty!!

— ~ U D I T ~ (@Merovaeous) October 21, 2025

Congratulations to former @norfolkccc professional Ben Curran on reaching 💯 in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Test Match 🆚Afghanistan https://t.co/Qijpa8jnTf

— NCCA (National Counties Cricket Association) (@NCCA_uk) October 21, 2025

A brilliant century from Ben Curran in test cricket. His first one in this format. What a prospect he is. ❤️❤️❤️#Zimbabwe #Afghanistan #Cricket

— Shadman Sakib Arnob (@arnuX05) October 21, 2025

Ben Curran gets his 100👏👏

— Comic Doctor 🇿🇼👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️🤷 (@tavonga_chinez1) October 21, 2025

A phenomenal century for Ben Curran as the Zimbabwean opener unleashes a brilliant batting display! #BenCurran #TestSeries2025 #BigUpdate #ZIMvsAFG

— Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) October 21, 2025

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