ZIMBABWE seized control on day one of their one-off Test against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. Fast bowler Brad Evans claimed a maiden five-wicket haul (5-22) as Afghanistan crumbled for just 127 runs.
In reply, opener Ben Curran’s patient half-century (52 not out) helped Zimbabwe take a slender three-run lead by stumps with eight wickets in hand.
(Scores: 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)
The hosts’ decision to bowl first paid immediate dividends on a pitch offering plenty of assistance to the seamers. Evans, playing his first Test since February 2023, was the chief destroyer. His fiery spell before lunch broke the back of Afghanistan’s batting lineup.
Afghanistan’s batting collapse
Afghanistan started promisingly with Rahmanullah Gurbaz playing some attacking shots. The opener-turned-number-three batsman struck 37 off 37 balls with three boundaries. However, once Tanaka Chivanga removed him, caught at point, the innings unravelled dramatically.
A needless run-out of Abdul Malik (30) triggered the collapse. The opener was left stranded after captain Hashmatullah Shahidi turned back mid-pitch. From 77 for 1, Afghanistan slumped to 102 for 5 by lunch.
Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was relentless throughout Afghanistan’s innings
The tail offered little resistance. Evans completed his five-for by bowling Ziaur Rahman with a perfect yorker. Afghanistan lost their last nine wickets for just 50 runs, vindicating Zimbabwe’s bold decision at the toss.
Curran Leads Zimbabwe’s Response
Zimbabwe’s reply began shakily when Brian Bennett fell for 7, bowled by Ziaur Rahman. The Afghan pacer produced a beauty that angled in and straightened to hit off stump. It was his maiden Test wicket.
Ben Curran and Nick Welch then steadied the ship with a crucial 49-run partnership. Both batsmen showed patience on a challenging surface. Curran waited 21 deliveries for his first boundary, showing admirable restrain
Welch contributed a valuable 49 before Ziaur bowled him with an inswinger. The opener had survived several close calls, including being dropped off a no-ball. His dismissal brought veteran Brendan Taylor to the crease.
Curran reached his half-century off 108 balls shortly before bad light stopped play. Taylor remained unbeaten on 14, having added some quick runs including a ramp shot over the keeper. Zimbabwe will resume on 130 for 2, holding a narrow advantage.
The match marks Test cricket’s return to Harare after a four-year absence. Zimbabwe had played their last nine home Tests in Bulawayo without success. They’ll hope familiar surroundings can inspire their first home Test victory since 2013.