Zimbabwe delivered a stellar performance to secure an innings and 73-run victory against Afghanistan in the sole Test match played at Harare Sports Club. This win was particularly significant for Zimbabwe, as it marked their first Test victory on home soil in 12 years.
Sports News: A new chapter has been added to cricket history. The Zimbabwe cricket team defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the sole Test encounter, marking their first innings victory in Test cricket after 24 years. The match was played at Harare Sports Club, where the host team clinched a historic win on the third day itself.
This victory was historic for Zimbabwe in many respects. It was the team's first innings victory since 2001 and their first Test win on home ground in 12 years. Previously, Zimbabwe had suffered a defeat against Afghanistan in Bulawayo in January 2025. However, this time, the team delivered an outstanding performance to exact revenge.
Afghanistan's Innings Crumbles Like a Deck of Cards
Afghanistan's batting completely faltered. In their second innings, the team was bowled out for just 159 runs. Their top scorer, Ibrahim Zadran, made 42 runs, while Bahir Shah added 32 and Afsar Zazai contributed 18. Six batsmen couldn't even reach double figures. In the first innings, Afghanistan was restricted to just 127 runs, giving Zimbabwe an early advantage.
Zimbabwean fast bowler Richard Ngarava gave no respite to the Afghan batsmen. The 27-year-old left-arm bowler claimed 5 wickets for 37 runs in 13 overs in the second innings. Ngarava's bowling showcased a formidable combination of pace, swing, and accuracy. Supporting him, Blessing Muzarabani took 3 wickets, and Tanaka Chivanga scalped 2 wickets. In the first innings, Brad Evans had delivered the initial blow to Afghanistan with 5 wickets.
Ben Curran Plays Career-Best Innings, Becomes Hero
Zimbabwe's first innings was completely dominated by its batsmen. The team scored 359 runs, securing a massive lead of 232 runs over Afghanistan. Opening batsman Ben Curran played a magnificent innings of 121 runs, which stood as his career-best Test performance. Additionally, Sikandar Raza contributed 65 runs, Nick Welch 49 runs, and Brad Evans 35 runs. For Afghanistan, Zia-ur-Rehman was the most successful bowler, taking 7 wickets, but he couldn't secure a win for his team.
For his outstanding performance, Ben Curran was chosen as the Player of the Match. Prior to this Test match, Afghanistan had played T20 and ODI series against Bangladesh. In the T20s, the team suffered a crushing 0-3 defeat, but they made a b comeback in the ODIs, beating Bangladesh 3-0.
