Asghar ton puts Afghans on top

Skipper Asghar Afghan hit his maiden century to lead Afghanistan to an imposing 307-3 on the opening day of the second Test against Zimbabwe in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old right hander notched 106 not out -- the highest individual score by an Afghan in a Test -- off just 135 balls with 12 boundaries and two sixes after winning the toss and opting to bat on a flat pitch.

Asghar shared a record 186-run fourth wicket partnership with Hashmatullah Shahidi (86 not out at close) in the short six-Test history of Afghanistan.

The duo halted Zimbabwe's charge after they removed opener Javed Ahmadi (four) in the second over of the match by Nyauchi.

Ibrahim Zadran, who scored 72 with eight boundaries, added 50 with Rahmat who was run out for 23.