Evans five enables Zimbabwe dominate Afghanistan: Only Test, Day 1 (Harare)

Allrounder Brad Evans fired with the ball as Zimbabwe dominated the opening day of the one-off Test against Afghanistan in Harare, bowling the visitors out for just 127 after winning the toss and electing to field.

Evans produced a superb comeback performance, taking 5 for 22, while Blessing Muzarabani added strong support with 3 for 47 as Afghanistan’s batting lineup collapsed despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s brisk 37.

In reply, Zimbabwe made steady progress, reaching 130 for 2 at stumps to take a narrow first-innings lead of three runs. Ben Curran anchored the innings with an unbeaten 52, while Nick Welch contributed 49 before falling late in the day.

With eight wickets in hand and a small lead already established, Zimbabwe head into Day 2 firmly in control of the contest.

Zimbabwe 130 for 2 (Curran 52*, Welch 49, Ziaur 2-35) lead Afghanistan 127 (Gurbaz 37, Evans 5-22, Muzarabani 3-47) by 3 runs.

Oct 2025.