A remarkable innings from ben curran Harare Sports Club set on fire on the second day of the only Test between zimbabwe And afghanistanThe left-handed opening batsman played with composure and accuracy to register his maiden Test century – a feat that not only delighted the home crowd but also strengthened Zimbabwe’s hold on the match.
The day began with Zimbabwe in a promising position at 130/2, having taken a modest first innings lead after bowling out Afghanistan for just 127 runs on the first day. Curran, unbeaten throughout the night, continued where he left off, converting his half-century into a memorable three-figure score, displaying both flair and timing. His innings was laced with sharp drives, clever deflections and calm presence under pressure.
Ben Curran scored his first test century
Competition with Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah ShahidiCurran brought up his century in trademark fashion – driving the ball through mid-wicket for a single. As the crowd rose in unison, Curran removed his helmet and picked up his bat, accepting the applause and enjoying the moment. This 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 register a century in both Test and ODI formats – a proud achievement that will surely resonate in England and Zimbabwe. His innings provided Zimbabwe with the stability they needed at the top, ensuring that their dominance continued 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 put the hosts in a position of strength, forcing Afghanistan’s bowlers to work hard on an unresponsive surface.
Zimbabwe bowlers set the tone in the beginning
The foundation of Zimbabwe’s dominance was laid in the early days itself. brad evans‘His aggressive spell decimated Afghanistan’s top order as he took an impressive five wickets. blessings to muzarabani‘s pace and accuracy complemented Evans perfectly, as he took three important wickets.
Afghanistan, who at one point looked stable at 77/2, suffered a dramatic collapse and were all out for 127 in just 32.3 overs. Lacking patience and discipline, the tourists’ batting lineup disintegrated under sustained pressure.
In response, Zimbabwe’s top order quickly regained control. While the openers got off to a steady start, Curran performed exceptionally well, mixing caution with aggression in a good innings that gave the hosts crucial gains.
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Here’s how fans reacted:
A brilliant test match century for the brilliant Ben Curran! His first century in white for Zimbabwe and the first by a Zimbabwean opener on home soil since 2017.
what a knock🇿🇼 pic.twitter.com/bITkj32iVO
– Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos) 21 October 2025
Ben Curran’s first test century 👏
https://t.co/93lIGK7GOQ#ZIMvAFG #ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/wYel8GdpQs
– Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) 21 October 2025
Well done Ben
Kuren 💯 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/PTPDYspIfP
– Tkay_91 (@Tkay913) 21 October 2025
Ben Curran scored his first test century 🙌👏#benkuren #AFGvZIM pic.twitter.com/u1xnShkZhS
– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) 21 October 2025
100✅️
Certified Opener✅️Ben Ruzwidzo Let Curran in🔥🔥🔥
These people definitely know how to respond to critics. pic.twitter.com/WVdbqK4IlT– Maita Dziva (@MaitaDziva) 21 October 2025
Ben Curran – You beauty!! pic.twitter.com/xiOF3701df
– ~UDIT~ (@Merovaeus) 21 October 2025
congratulations to ex @norfolkcc Professional Ben Curran on arrival in Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 Test match 🆚Afghanistan https://t.co/Qijpa8jnTf
– NCCA (National Counties Cricket Association) (@NCCA_uk) 21 October 2025
Ben Curran’s brilliant century in test cricket. His first in this format. What a possibility that is.#zimbabwe #Afghanistan #Cricket pic.twitter.com/B3pT6ajb41
– Shadman Saqib Arnob (@arnuX05) 21 October 2025
Ben Curran gets his 100👏👏 pic.twitter.com/4f7M8mYi7j
– Comic Doctor 🇿🇼👩⚕️👨⚕️🤷 (@tavonga_chinez1) 21 October 2025
An unprecedented century and a brilliant batting performance for Zimbabwe opener Ben Curran! #benkuren #testseries2025 #bigupdate #ZIMvsAFG pic.twitter.com/N3kEVAt3mp
-Jitendra Kumar (@jitenda60203698) 21 October 2025
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