Craig Ervine Becomes Oldest Zimbabwean to Score Test Century

Craig Ervine became the oldest Zimbabwean player to score a Test cricket century during the first Test against Afghanistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, surpassing a teammate’s record set earlier in the same match.

At 41 years and 82 days old, Ervine hit his fifth Test hundred in Zimbabwe’s second innings on 9 November 2026, according to Nation Press. The milestone displaced Brendan Taylor from the top of the nation’s age-at-century list.

Records Broken in Sharjah

Taylor had claimed the record just days earlier during the first innings of the same fixture. Lokmat Times reported that Taylor, at 37 years old, scored 131 runs off 168 balls to set the initial benchmark before Ervine overtook him.

Ervine also entered the modern global record books. He stands as the second oldest batter to score a Test hundred in the 21st century. Only Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq was older, having reached the milestone at 42 years and 47 days against England at Lord’s in 2016.

Milestones and Innings Totals

Alongside his century, Ervine completed 2,000 Test runs during the match. This feat makes him the seventh batter from Zimbabwe to reach that total.

Zimbabwe posted 504 in their first innings. Captain Brian Bennett contributed a century with 128 runs, while Wessly Madhevere added a half-century.

Afghanistan responded with 514 runs to secure a 10-run first-innings lead. Sediqullah Atal, Rahmanullah Zadran, and captain Rahmat Shah each hit centuries for Afghanistan.

Match Heading Toward Draw

Zimbabwe reached 372 for 5 at the tea break on Day 5 of the second innings. Taylor contributed 82 runs, Bennett scored 58, and Antum Naqvi added 62.

With only one session remaining in the match, the contest appeared headed for a draw.

Neither team secured a decisive victory before time expired on the final day in Sharjah.