Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S fast bowler Brad Evans grabbed a maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket at Harare Sports Club yes-terday as Zimbabwe claimed a commanding start to the one-off Test match against Afghanistan.
Evans led the charge as Afghanistan were bowled out for 127 runs. At stumps, the hosts led by three runs after ending the day on 130/2.
Zimbabwe chose to bowl first after winning the toss, and the decision proved decisive. Afghanistan began positive-ly through opener Abdul Malik and wicketkeeper Rahmanullah Gurbaz, both of whom made promising starts be-fore falling for 30 and 37, respectively, leaving the middle order exposed.
Evans seized the moment, bowling with pace and precision to dismantle Afghanistan’s batting lineup. The 28-year-old tore through the middle and lower order to finish with exceptional figures of 5/22 from 9.3 overs.
His spell triggered a stunning collapse as Afghanistan crumbled from 100/4 to 127 all out, leaving the visitors shell-shocked and struggling to recover.
Zimbabwe then built on their advantage with the bat. Despite losing Brian Bennett early to Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, Ben Curran and Nick Welch steadied the innings with a composed partnership that swung the momentum firmly towards the hosts.
Curran played with patience and discipline to reach a well-earned half century, his second in Test matches, and will resume on 52 not out from 110 balls. Welch was unlucky to fall for 49, bowled late in the day by the impressive Sharifi.
By stumps, Zimbabwe were in full control. Brendan Taylor (18) will join Curran at the crease on day two as the hosts look to extend their lead and tighten their grip on the match.
Afghanistan will need quick breakthroughs to avoid falling further behind in what is already shaping up to be a difficult contest.
