From Cruising to Collapse: 4 Shocking Takeaways from Day 1 of the Zimbabwe-Afghanistan Test
1.0 Introduction: The Unpredictable Nature of Test Cricket
Afghanistan's return to Test cricket began with promise as their batters built a solid foundation on the first morning against Zimbabwe. However, in a stunning turn of events that perfectly encapsulates the chaotic beauty of the five-day game, their innings imploded, paving the way for a day of complete dominance by the hosts.
2.0 Takeaway 1: A Promising Start Ends in a Shocking Collapse
For the first session, Afghanistan looked to be in a commanding position. After an early wicket, a confident 54-run partnership between Abdul Malik and Rahmanullah Gurbaz steadied the innings. When Gurbaz fell for an aggressive 37, the score was a respectable 77/2. Yet, what followed was a terminal collapse, triggered not just by good bowling but by a moment of sheer panic.
The true self-destruction began at 88/3 with the calamitous run-out of the other set batsman, Abdul Malik—a dismissal described as a "terrible run-out" by commentators. From that point of instability, Afghanistan lost their last 8 wickets for a mere 39 runs, crumbling to a final total of only 127.
A disastrous first innings for Afghanistan as they are bowled out for 127 runs. After losing Ibrahim Zadran early, a crucial 54-run partnership for the second wicket between Abdul Malik and Rahmanullah Gurbaz (who scored 37) provided a brief period of stability. However, following Gurbaz's dismissal, the Afghan batting order collapsed...
This dramatic reversal, a mix of Zimbabwean pressure and Afghan self-destruction, served as a classic reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in Test cricket.
3.0 Takeaway 2: Brad Evans Makes a Five-Star Return
The chief architect of Afghanistan’s downfall was Zimbabwean pace bowler Brad Evans, who produced a scintillating spell of pace bowling on his return to the Test side. Playing in his first Test match since 2023, Evans was simply unplayable, finishing with the incredible figures of 5 wickets for just 22 runs.
His incisive bowling was the primary catalyst for the collapse, as he tore through the Afghan middle and lower order. His five-wicket haul not only destroyed the innings but also established him as the day's standout performer. As the commentary noted, "The star was Brad Evans, who bowled incredibly well to take 5 wickets for just 22 runs." It was a decisive and immediate impact from a player making a triumphant comeback to the international stage.
4.0 Takeaway 3: Zimbabwe's Fielding Was Nothing Short of Spectacular
While Brad Evans was the architect of the collapse, his masterpiece was completed by the acrobatic brushstrokes of his fielders. The Zimbabwean bowlers’ success was magnified by a spectacular fielding display that converted pressure into wickets.
The quality of the catching was exceptional. The dismissal of captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was the result of a "Glorious catch at gully!" taken by Nick Welch. This was followed by an even more stunning effort from Brian Bennett to remove Bahir Shah, a catch met with an emphatic, "Oh, what a screamer!" This high-quality support in the field compounded the pressure on Afghanistan’s batters and was a key feature of Zimbabwe's dominance, ensuring no opportunity went to waste.
5.0 Takeaway 4: Zimbabwe Didn't Just Dominate—They Ended the Day in the Lead
After routing Afghanistan for a paltry 127, Zimbabwe’s batters delivered the ultimate psychological blow. By the time Stumps were called, they had not only weathered the new ball but had already surpassed Afghanistan's total—a rare feat that underscores the one-sided nature of the day's contest.
The scoreboard at the close of play read: Zimbabwe 130/2, giving them a 3-run lead with eight wickets still in hand. Opener Ben Curran anchored the reply with a determined, unbeaten half-century (52*), while the experienced Brendan Taylor was unbeaten on 18* at the other end. Seizing complete control in a single day has put Zimbabwe in a commanding position to dictate the remainder of the match.
6.0 Conclusion: A Day of Complete Dominance
Day 1 was a story that exposed Afghanistan's Test match fragility while showcasing Zimbabwe's clinical opportunism. After such a dramatic collapse, one question looms over the rest of the match: can Afghanistan's bowlers produce a miracle of their own, or has Zimbabwe already sealed the fate of this Test on the very first day?