Zimbabwe’s Historic Test Triumph Over Afghanistan
In a stunning display of skill and resilience, Zimbabwe has secured its biggest-ever victory in Test cricket, crushing Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in their one-off match in Bulawayo. This landmark win marks Zimbabwe’s first home Test victory since 2013, signaling a potential resurgence for the Chevrons on the international stage .
Ben Curran’s Century Sets the Stage
The foundation of this historic win was laid by debutant Ben Curran, who announced his arrival in Test cricket with a magnificent, unbeaten 121. His composed innings, which included 14 boundaries, was a masterclass in patience and technique. Curran, the younger brother of England’s Sam and Tom Curran, shared a crucial 112-run partnership with Sikandar Raza (65) to power Zimbabwe to a formidable total of 359 all out .
His performance was so dominant that he was deservedly awarded the Player of the Match, a fitting reward for a knock that completely shifted the momentum of the game on the second day .
Richard Ngarava’s Maiden Five-Wicket Haul
While Curran built the platform with the bat, it was left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava who delivered the knockout blows with the ball. Ngarava produced a career-best performance, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket by finishing with figures of 5 for 37 in the second innings .
His opening spell was particularly devastating, ripping through the Afghan top order and exposing their inexperience in the longest format of the game. He was well-supported by Blessing Muzarabani, who chipped in with 4 wickets across both innings, showcasing Zimbabwe’s newfound bowling depth .
Afghanistan’s Batting Collapse
Afghanistan’s batting lineup, which has shown promise in limited-overs cricket, crumbled under the pressure of a first-class contest. They were bowled out for a paltry 127 in their first innings and could only manage a slightly better 159 in their second .
Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi was candid in his post-match assessment, citing his team’s lack of experience in Test cricket as a major factor in their collapse. “We are still learning the game… we need more exposure,” he admitted, highlighting the steep learning curve his young side faces .
Match Statistics at a Glance
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
|---|---|---|
| Zimbabwe | 359 | – |
| Afghanistan | 127 | 159 |
A New Dawn for Zimbabwe Cricket?
This victory is more than just a win; it’s a statement of intent from Zimbabwe. After years of struggle and a long drought at home, this performance, built on a solid individual contribution from a newcomer and a devastating bowling display from a seasoned campaigner, offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
The win not only secures their biggest-ever margin of victory in Tests but also provides a massive confidence boost ahead of future challenges. For a team looking to re-establish itself, this innings triumph over Afghanistan could be a pivotal moment.