Wed Oct 22 08:20:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on the information:

Summary:

Zimbabwe dominated the first day of their one-off Test against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club. After winning the toss, Afghanistan collapsed to 127 all out, with Brad Evans taking a record-breaking 5 wickets for just 22 runs. Blessing Muzarabani supported him with 3 wickets. In response, Zimbabwe reached 130-2 at stumps, taking a 3-run lead thanks to an unbeaten 97-run partnership between Ben Curran and Nick Welch. Evans’ bowling performance was a Zimbabwean record for the least runs conceded while taking a five-wicket haul, surpassing a previous record held by the late Heath Streak.

News Article:

Evans Shines as Zimbabwe Dominate Day 1 Against Afghanistan in One-Off Test

Harare, Zimbabwe – Brad Evans etched his name into Zimbabwean cricketing history on Monday, setting a new national bowling record as the home side dominated the opening day of their one-off Test match against Afghanistan at Harare Sports Club.

After winning the toss, Zimbabwe capitalized on a disastrous batting performance from Afghanistan, dismissing the tourists for a paltry 127. Evans, returning to the Test team after a two-year absence, was the star of the show, claiming 5 wickets for a mere 22 runs. This remarkable feat surpasses the previous record held by the late Heath Streak, who took 5 wickets for 27 runs against the West Indies in 2000. Blessing Muzarabani also contributed significantly, taking 3 wickets.

“Heath was a Zimbabwe cricket legend, so to better his figures makes my achievement all the more special,” Evans told reporters after the day’s play.

Only Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37) and Abdul Malik (30) offered any resistance for Afghanistan, putting on a 65-run partnership before the batting lineup crumbled.

Zimbabwe’s response was measured and effective. Despite losing opener Brian Bennett early, an unbeaten 97-run partnership between Ben Curran (52 not out) and Nick Welch (49) steered the hosts to 130-2 at stumps, giving them a slender 3-run lead with eight wickets remaining. Welch fell just short of his half century but struck a six and five fours. Curran has five fours to his name.

While Afghan debutant Ziaur Rahman (2-35) took both Zimbabwean wickets to fall, Curran and Welch’s composed batting left Zimbabwe in a commanding position heading into Day 2.

The one-off Test is followed by a three-match T20 international series between the two sides, scheduled for October 29, 31, and November 2, all to be played in Harare.

Brief Scores: Afghanistan 127 in 32.3 overs (R. Gurbaz 37, A. Malik 30; B. Evans 5/22, B. Muzarabani 3/47) vs Zimbabwe 130/2 in 38 overs (B. Curran 52 not out, N. Welch 49; Z. Rahman 2/35)

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