Brad Evans Shatters Zimbabwe Test Record After Dominating Pakistan in 2022 T20 World Cup
Brad Evans has established an impressive milestone in Zimbabwean cricket, setting the record for the fewest runs conceded by a bowler taking five wickets in a Test match. In just his second Test appearance, Evans achieved this feat on January 18, 2025, against Afghanistan in Harare.
Record-Breaking Performance
Evans bowled exceptionally well, finishing with figures of 5 for 22. This remarkable performance came as Zimbabwe opted to bowl first after winning the toss. His partner in crime, Blessing Muzarabani, also contributed significantly with 3 wickets for 47 runs.
The Afghan team was dismissed for only 127 runs, marking their fourth-lowest total in Test history and their lowest score in the last six years. Evans was pivotal in the collapse, claiming five of the last seven wickets. At one stage, Afghanistan seemed solid at 77 for 1 but succumbed dramatically, losing their final nine wickets for just 50 runs.
Historical Context
With this achievement, Evans surpassed previous Zimbabwean records. The previous lowest runs conceded while taking a 5-wicket haul were:
| Bowler | Figures | Opponent | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brad Evans | 5/22 | Afghanistan | 2025 |
| Heath Streak | 5/27 | West Indies | 2000 |
| Travis Friend | 5/31 | Bangladesh | 2001 |
| David Brain | 5/42 | Pakistan | 1993 |
From T20 Stardom to Test Glory
Brad Evans rose to prominence in 2022, notably during the T20 World Cup, where he played a crucial role in defeating Pakistan by just one run. In that thrilling match in Perth, he took two wickets for 25 runs and contributed a vital 19 runs off 15 balls.
After battling through injuries, Evans is now making significant strides across all three formats of cricket for Zimbabwe. His recent performance is a testament to his growing impact on the national team, highlighting his potential as a valuable all-rounder.
