In a strong start to the one-off Test match in Harare, Zimbabwe took firm control of proceedings on Day 1 after electing to bowl first against Afghanistan.
Skipper Sikandar Raza’s decision to field after winning the toss paid immediate dividends as the Zimbabwean bowling attack, led by a fiery spell from Brad Evans, tore through Afghanistan’s batting lineup. Evans was the standout performer, claiming a superb five-wicket haul that helped restrict the visitors to a modest total of just 127 runs.
Afghanistan struggled to build partnerships, with only a few batters managing to get into double figures. The Zimbabwean bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings, applying constant pressure on a pitch that offered early movement.
In reply, Zimbabwe’s openers laid a solid foundation, and by the close of play, the home side had already surpassed Afghanistan’s total, finishing the day on 130 for 2. This gave them a slender but significant first-innings lead of three runs with eight wickets still in hand.
Ben Curran anchored the innings with an unbeaten half-century (52* off 110 balls), showing great composure at the crease. He was ably supported by Nick Welch, who narrowly missed out on a fifty, falling for 49 after an impressive knock that included some fluent strokeplay.
With the hosts in the lead and key batters still at the crease, Zimbabwe will look to build a commanding advantage on Day 2. For Afghanistan, early breakthroughs will be crucial to getting back into the contest.