Zimbabwe achieved a significant victory over Afghanistan in a Test match at Harare Sports Club, winning by an innings and 73 runs with two days remaining. Afghanistan, batting first after Zimbabwe won the toss, were bowled out for 127. In response, Zimbabwe posted a commanding total of 359, led by Ben Curran’s impressive maiden century, establishing a substantial first innings lead of 232 runs.
Curran’s standout performance earned him the player of the match award, turning the tide decisively in favor of the hosts on the second day. In their second innings, the Afghan batters struggled once again, managing only 159 runs, with Ibrahim Zadran (42) and Bahir Shah (32) showing some resistance.
Brad Evans shone with five wickets in Afghanistan’s first innings, while Richard Ngarava excelled in the second innings, claiming a five-for in his first Test match. This victory marked only the third time Zimbabwe has won a Test by an innings, with previous victories against Pakistan in 1995 and Bangladesh in 2001.
Zimbabwe’s captain, Craig Ervine, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the collective effort displayed by the players, especially in challenging conditions. Afghanistan’s captain, Hashmatullah Shahidi, acknowledged Zimbabwe’s strong performance and admitted his team’s shortcomings, particularly in the face of favorable bowling conditions.
Despite the loss, Afghanistan found a bright spot in debutant seamer Ziaur Rahman’s impressive seven-wicket haul. The match ended with Zimbabwe’s comprehensive victory by an innings and 73 runs, showcasing their prowess in Test cricket.