Harare, Oct 20 (UNI) Brad Evans’ fiery bowling and BJ Curran’s composed batting stole the spotlight on day one of the one-off Test between Zimbabwe and Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club, setting the stage for a compelling contest.
Evans’ incisive spell dismantled Afghanistan for just 127 in 32.3 overs, while Curran’s patient 52* guided Zimbabwe to 130 for 2 by stumps, giving the hosts a slender lead of three runs. The Zimbabwe pacer produced a brilliant five-wicket haul, wreaking havoc on the Afghan batting lineup.
Evans accounted for Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Khalil Gurbaz, and Ziaur Rahman Sharifi, bowling with precision and relentless discipline, regularly beating the bat and creating pressure. His searing inswinging yorker to Sharifi and clever variations forced mistakes, triggering Afghanistan’s collapse.
Ziaur Rahman Sharifi also struck for Afghanistan, taking key wickets of Nick Welch, who fell just short of a half-century, and Brian Bennett, but Evans’ devastating spell proved decisive.
Zimbabwe’s reply revolved around Curran, who anchored the innings with authority. His patient 52* off 110 balls, featuring five crisp boundaries, was complemented by steady partnerships with Nick Welch and Brendan Taylor.
Taylor added flair with his trademark upper-cuts and lofted drives, while Curran displayed elegant strokes, including a fine pull off Yamin Ahmadzai and a precise drive past the slips.
Welch narrowly missed his fifty, bowled by Sharifi for 49, but the pair’s steady approach ensured Zimbabwe remained firmly ahead.
The day also featured moments of brilliance in the field, including diving catches by Tafadzwa Tsiga and sharp run-outs, highlighting the intensity and athleticism on display.
Afghanistan’s bowlers applied pressure at intervals, but Evans’ relentless attack and Curran’s composure ensured Zimbabwe ended the day in control.
Zimbabwe finished at 130 for 2, with Curran unbeaten on 52 and Taylor on 18, holding the upper hand as day two approaches. With Evans’ masterful bowling and Curran’s steady batting, the hosts have laid a solid foundation for a commanding position in the Test.
Brief scores:
Afghanistan 1st innings, Day 1: 127 all out (32.3 overs), top-scorer Rahmanullah Gurbaz 37, Brad Evans 5 for 22.
Zimbabwe 1st innings: 130/2 (38 overs), BJ Curran 52*, Nick Welch 49, lead 3 runs at stumps.
