Cardiff Met Alumnus Brad Evans Breaks into ICC World Top Five

Cardiff Metropolitan University is celebrating a remarkable achievement on the global stage as alumnus Brad Evans has broken into the top five of the ICC Men’s T20 International Bowling Rankings.

Brad in the bottom right hand corner in the front row. Representing the team in 2017 as a fresher at Sophia Gardens in National Finals.

Currently representing Zimbabwe national cricket team at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup, Evans has delivered a series of match-winning performances with the ball, playing a key role in Zimbabwe’s impressive campaign. His standout displays, including a pivotal performance in Zimbabwe’s victory over Australia, have propelled him into the world’s elite bowlers in the shortest format of the game.

From Sophia Gardens to the World Stage

Brad studied at Cardiff Met between 2017 and 2020, joining the University on a sports scholarship and competing as part of Cardiff MCCU. As a fresher in 2017, he represented the University at the National Finals at Sophia Gardens, laying the foundations for what has become an outstanding international career.

During his time in Cardiff, Brad also played locally for Cowbridge Cricket Club, embedding himself in the South Wales cricket community while developing his game within the University’s high-performance environment.

He is now one of nine Zimbabwean players who have progressed through the Cardiff Met Cricket programme, highlighting the growing international impact of the University’s cricket pathway.

 

A Global Success Story

Breaking into the ICC’s top five bowlers in T20 cricket is a major milestone in the modern game. The rankings reflect consistency, impact in high-pressure fixtures and performances against the very best players in the world.

“Brad is a brilliant example of where late development for a cricketer through their time at University has propelled them to become one of the current Top 5 players in the world

Brad exemplified the commitment and drive needed at Cardiff Metropolitan University to succeed whilst balancing academic achievement and cricketing excellence” Gethin Smart, Sport Development and Workforce Manager at Cardiff Met Sport

Brad’s rise is not only a personal triumph but also a powerful example of the global opportunities available through Cardiff Met Sport. From university competition in Cardiff to performing on the biggest stage in world cricket, his journey embodies the strength of our performance programmes and alumni network.

We are immensely proud of Brad’s achievements and look forward to following his continued success throughout the World Cup and beyond.