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Zimbabwean cricket witnessed a landmark moment on Day 2 of the one-off Test against England at Lord’s as 21-year-old Brian Bennett smashed a blistering century, becoming the fastest Zimbabwean to reach the milestone in Test history.
His explosive knock, coming off just 97 deliveries, eclipsed the previous record for the quickest Test hundred by a Zimbabwean and left fans and pundits in awe. The right-hander, known more for his fearless strokeplay in white-ball cricket, showed remarkable temperament and flair in the red-ball format to etch his name in the history books.
Second Test hundred for Brian Bennett
Facing Gus Atkinson in the 54th over, Bennett reached the landmark with a cracking cut shot past gully for four. The length delivery outside off offered just enough width, and Bennett pounced with precision. He immediately celebrated with a roar of triumph, removed his helmet, and embraced his partner at the crease. The crowd, comprising a strong contingent of Zimbabwean supporters, rose to their feet, applauding the young star’s masterclass.
This was Bennett’s second Test century and by far his most memorable. Known for his attacking mindset, Bennett displayed a perfect blend of patience and aggression throughout his innings, driving, pulling, and cutting with finesse.
Records tumble, Zimbabwe stands tall
Bennett’s ton came at a crucial juncture, helping Zimbabwe recover from a wobbly position earlier in the day. Partnering with the middle order, he played the role of aggressor, turning the tide with his proactive approach. His innings was not just about pace but also class, as he tackled England’s seasoned bowling attack with maturity.
His century now stands as the fastest ever in Zimbabwe’s Test history, a record previously held by Andy Flower. More importantly, it reignites hopes for Zimbabwe’s long-format aspirations, as they continue to develop their next generation of stars.
Here is how fans reacted:
Brian Bennett's century, off just 97 deliveries, is the fastest ever by a Zimbabwean in Test cricket. 🙌
Ball-by-ball 📝:
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv)
Brian Bennett is just 21-year-old and he smashed a fantastic ton against the mighty England.
Well played young man!— IPL (@WatchIPLvideos)
💯 for Zimbabwe's Brian Bennett at Trent Bridge 👏
What a moment for the 21-year-old.
— England's Barmy Army 🏴🎺 (@TheBarmyArmy)
BRIAN BENNETT A BIG DADDY HUNDRED ON ENGLISH SOIL 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
— nomsa moyo (@moyo35003)
21-year-old opener Brian Bennett, in his debut Test year, becomes the youngest Zimbabwean to score a Test ton — his second — against England & the fastest by a Zimbabwean.
Second Zim batter to do so in England, third overall. What a rise! 🇿🇼🔥
— Dr Satendra Singh, MD (@drsitu)
A magnificent century for the unstoppable Brian Bennett 🔥
— Adam Theo🇿🇼🏏 (@AdamTheofilatos)
What a knock Brian Bennett. England was not ready for an aggressive opener. Wooow
— Nyasha Chingono (@NyashChingono)
A memorable moment for Zimbabwean cricket 💯
Brian Bennett, Zimbabwe's first Test centurion in England for 25 years. |
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge)
Brian Bennett is crazy
Lol
He would fit in directly into that Bazzball team
— Tinotenda Murove (@tino_54)
Fan reaction the moment Brian Bennett got to his record-breaking century
— larry kwirirayi ✍📔 (@kwirirayi)
🔸Go Zimbabwe, go! Congratulations to Brian Bennett on his century off just 97 deliveries. This is the fastest ever by a Zimbabwean in Test cricket.🔥 🇿🇼
— Fadzayi Mahere🇿🇼 (@advocatemahere)
Brian Bennett is Zimbabwe's Virender Sehwag version.
— Merovaeous (@Merovaeous)
Well played Brian Bennett 🙏 moments like those are what test cricket are all about and shows that the game is more than just the big 3, and will be lost if the ICC continue to be insular with their approach to the test game
— Mark O'Neill (@markoneill122no)
Brian Bennett is a good player, trusts his method
— Kudakwashe Gambe (@iamKudaGambe)
What a fantastic 100 by Brian Bennett! Second test 100. First in England. Fantastic stuff
— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky)
Well done Brian Bennett. A test match after 22 yrs against England and the 21 year old makes it even more memorable with a hundred.
— Manoj Dimri (@manoj_dimri)
Unbelievable from Brian Bennett, great to see someone step up and show some class for Zimbabwe, hope others can follow suit and that it’s a sign of things to come for him
— Alasdair 🇳🇦🇳🇿 (@Alasdair333)
Zim have a talented stroke maker in Brian Bennett. Something they needed at the top of the order. Key is to persist with him even if he fails in a few games.
— MA (@coverpoint_)
brian beutiful Bennett. 👏
— Shambhavi🦚 (@bhejaa_fryy)
Man that was good! Brian Bennett amazing !
— EdRainsford (@ed_rainsford)
Also READ: Who is Sam Cook? England’s latest debutant in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe
