Zimbabwe ended a 24-year wait for a big Test victory as they crushed Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the Only Test at Harare Sports Club.
This was Zimbabwe’s third innings win in Tests and their first since defeating Bangladesh in Bulawayo in 2001. The win was built on a strong batting display and precise bowling, especially on Day 3, when Afghanistan collapsed dramatically.
The hosts set the tone in their only innings with a commanding 359, anchored by a composed 121 from Ben Curran, whose patient knock included 15 boundaries off 256 balls. Curran received support from Sikandar Raza (65) and Nick Welch (49), while Brendan Taylor (32) and Brad Evans (35)* added crucial runs down the order. Zimbabwe’s batting ensured Afghanistan faced a huge task in their hands.
Afghanistan struggled throughout, being bowled out for 127 in their first innings, with only Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37) and Abdul Malik (30) showing resistance. Zimbabwe’s bowling was led by Brad Evans (5/22) and Blessing Muzarabani (3/47), consistently exploiting the visitors’ weak batting lineup.
On the third day, Zimbabwe’s bowlers finished the job clinically. Afghanistan’s second innings started with promise as Ibrahim Zadran (42) looked comfortable, but once Richard Ngarava got going, wickets fell quickly. The left-arm pacer took a match-winning 5/37, reducing Afghanistan from 43/2 to 159 all out.
On Day 3 alone, Afghanistan lost nine wickets for 116 runs, with only short resistance from Bahir Shah (32) and Afsar Zazai (18). Muzarabani (3/48) and Tanaka Chivanga (2/40) complemented Ngarava perfectly, leaving Afghanistan’s lineup exposed and struggling.
Zimbabwe’s win was both symbolic and emphatic, showing renewed strength in Test cricket. Captain Craig Ervine guided the team with calm and discipline, while the combination of experience and youth produced a performance that was dominant from start to finish.
Brief Scores
Afghanistan 1st Innings: 127 all out in 32.3 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37), Abdul Malik (30); Brad Evans (5/22), Blessing Muzarabani (3/47)
Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 359 all out in 103 overs. Ben Curran (121), Sikandar Raza (65); Ziaur Rahman (7/97), Ismat Alam (2/51)
Afghanistan 2nd Innings: 159 all out in 43 overs. Ibrahim Zadran (42), Bahir Shah (32); Richard Ngarava (5/37), Blessing Muzarabani (3/48)
Result: Zimbabwe won by an innings and 73 runs
Player of the Match: Ben Curran (ZIM) – 121 runs