ENG vs ZIM: Day 2 Recap – Key performances and major Highlights from One-Off Test

ENG- 565/6

ZIM-265 & 30/2 (10) (f/o)

Zimbabwe started Day 2 of the one-off Test match at Trent Bridge well enough under a sunny sky. Blessing Muzarabani led the pace attack, focused on bowling much closer to England batters' body line. The host nation started the day with 7 wickets in hand and 498 on the scoreboard, and Ollie Pope was on the wicket with an unbeaten 169 and departed for 171 during the early hours of Day 2. Tanaka Chivanga cleared his wicket for Zimbabwe.

Harry Brook with his counter-attacking batting style was looking promising, supported by captain Ben Stokes at the non striking end. Later, they both fell short against Muzarabani. As soon as Brook departed for individual 58, England declared their innings. 

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Zimbabwe started their innings in a promising way with Brian Bennett at his peak. After a 31-run opening wicket partnership with Ben Curran, Zimbabwe Craig Ervine received a well-rehearsed 42-run innings. The visitors displayed their skills well until experienced batter Sean Williams was bowled out by England's Shoaib Bashir for 25.

A young who showed his class vs England

On a day when seamers were boosted up with swing and bounce from the surface, Bashir shifted the momentum of the match completely with his off-break deliveries. He took 3 wickets when Zimbabwe was looking to settle down on 22 yards. Though the young, talented opener Bennett continued to fight solitary for his team.

Stumps at Trent Bridge 🏏

It's advantage England as Zimbabwe finish on 265 & 30/2 (following on), trailing by 270 runs

Match Details 👉 https://t.co/cojkDo7BCj#ENGvZIM #ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/1rFPD3XDXg

— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) May 23, 2025

The 21-year-old batter bagged 139 off 143 with the help of 26 boundaries. His straight bat cover drives and straight drives were some of the delightful sights of the day for the spectators present at Trent Bridge. But only a century was not enough to climb a mountain-like target. Zimbabwe bundled for 265 in the first innings as the reply of 576.