In a remarkable comeback, Zimbabwean fast bowler Brad Evans has etched his name in the history books by setting an all-time record for his country during a recent Test match against Afghanistan in Harare. This marked Evans’ return to Test cricket after a two-year hiatus, and he made it unforgettable by claiming five wickets for just 22 runs, helping to bowl Afghanistan out for a mere 127.
Winning the toss and opting to bowl first, Evans, alongside fellow pacer Blessing Muzarabani (who took 3 wickets for 47 runs), led a destructive bowling performance that decimated the Afghan batting lineup. The visitors, who were well-positioned at 77 for 1 at one stage, suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last nine wickets for just 50 runs. This dismal total marked Afghanistan’s fourth-lowest score in Test history and their lowest in the last six years.
Evans’ performance has set a new benchmark for Zimbabwean bowlers, as he became the first to take a five-wicket haul while conceding the fewest runs in the country’s Test history. His achievement surpasses the previous record held by Heath Streak, who conceded 27 runs during his own five-wicket haul against the West Indies in 2000.
The 28-year-old all-rounder is no stranger to high-pressure situations, having showcased his talent during the 2022 T20 World Cup when he played a crucial role in a nail-biting victory over Pakistan, where Zimbabwe won by just one run. During that match, Evans not only contributed with the ball, capturing 2 wickets for 25 runs, but also added valuable runs with a bat, scoring 19 off 15 deliveries.
After battling injuries that hindered his career for the past few years, Evans is gradually establishing himself as a key player for Zimbabwe across all formats. His exceptional performance against Afghanistan signals a promising resurgence and highlights the potential for further accomplishments in his cricket journey. As Evans continues to develop, Zimbabwean cricket fans are hopeful that he will play a significant role in the team’s future successes.