Zimbabwe end 12-year home test drought with innings win against Afghanistan

Zimbabwe ended a long wait for a dominant Test victory as they thrashed Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club. This was Zimbabwe’s first home Test win since 2013, their first innings victory since 2001, and the biggest margin of victory for the nation in 24 years.

After dismissing Afghanistan for just 127 in their first innings, Zimbabwe posted a commanding 359, led by a patient and composed 121 from Ben Curran. Sikandar Raza’s 65 and contributions from Nick Welch (49), Brendan Taylor (32), and Brad Evans (35*) ensured the hosts built an unassailable lead. Curran’s maiden Test century earned him the Player of the Match award.

Afghanistan’s second innings offered initial promise as Ibrahim Zadran reached 42, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers quickly regained control. Richard Ngarava was the star, taking a brilliant 5/37 to decimate the Afghan batting lineup. His relentless movement and precise length made scoring difficult, while Tanaka Chivanga (2/40) and Blessing Muzarabani (3/48) provided crucial support. Afghanistan collapsed from 43/2 to 159 all out, handing Zimbabwe a comprehensive win.

Evans and Muzarabani shine with the ball as Zimbabwe end 12-year home Test drought

Brad Evans had earlier starred with the ball, taking 5/22 in Afghanistan’s first innings, while Muzarabani contributed 3/47. The Zimbabwean bowling unit dominated throughout, exploiting the conditions and the inexperienced Afghan lineup with disciplined lines and consistent pressure.

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Captain Craig Ervine praised his team’s performance after the match. “I’m ecstatic. The boys fought hard and showed great composure throughout the Test,” he said. “Ben Curran’s innings was outstanding, and our bowlers stepped up at crucial moments. This win is a testament to the hard work and learning over the last six to seven months.”

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, admitting that their batting collapse on Day 1 cost them the game. “We started well but kept losing back-to-back wickets. Experience in Test cricket is key, and we lacked it today,” Shahidi said. This victory marks Zimbabwe’s fourth Test win since 2018 and sets up an exciting three-match T20I series against Afghanistan starting October 29.

Brief Scores:
Afghanistan 1st Innings – 127 (Evans 5/22, Muzarabani 3/47)
Zimbabwe 1st Innings – 359 (Curran 121, Raza 65)
Afghanistan 2nd Innings – 159 (Ngarava 5/37, Muzarabani 3/48)
Result: Zimbabwe won by an innings and 73 runs