Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE pacer Brad Evans, delivered a career defining spell at Harare Sports Club yesterday, claiming his maiden five wicket haul in Test cricket to put Zimbabwe firmly in control of the one off Test against Afghanistan.
Evans was sensational, tearing through Afghanistan’s middle and lower order to finish with remarkable figures of 5 for 22 from 9,3 overs. His spell turned the innings on its head as the visitors collapsed from 100 for 4 to 127 all out, losing their last six wickets for just 27 runs.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe opted to bowl first, and it proved an inspired decision. Afghanistan’s openers, Abdul Malik and Rahmanullah Gurbaz, started brightly with 30 and 37 respectively, but once they departed, the batting order fell apart under sustained pressure.
Evans led the charge with pace and control, finding movement off the surface and extracting bounce that unsettled the Afghan batters. His clinical display left the visitors reeling and the Harare crowd roaring.
Zimbabwe then consolidated their dominance with the bat. Although Brian Bennett (6) fell early to Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Ben Curran and Nick Welch steadied the innings with a composed 95 run stand. Curran was the picture of patience, reaching an unbeaten 52 from 110 deliveries, while Welch narrowly missed his half century, bowled for 49 by the impressive Sharifi late in the day.
By stumps, Zimbabwe had reached 130 for 2, holding a three run lead and the momentum heading into day two. Veteran Brendan Taylor (18*) will resume alongside Curran as the hosts look to tighten their grip on the contest.
Afghanistan, already on the back foot, will need early wickets this morning to stay in the game and avoid a long, punishing chase later in the match.
Bongani Ndlovu