Zimbabwe ended a 24-year wait for a major Test win when they crushed Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the only Test at the Harare Sports Club. It was Zimbabwe’s third innings win in Tests and their first since defeating Bangladesh in Bulawayo in 2001. The win was built on strong batting and precision bowling, especially on Day 3 when Afghanistan collapsed dramatically.
The hosts set the tone in their only innings with an impressive 359, anchored by a composed 121 from Ben Curran, whose patient knock included 15 boundaries from 256 balls. Curran received support from Sikandar Raza (65) and Nick Welch (49), while Brendan Taylor (32) and Brad Evans (35)* added crucial points in the order. Zimbabwe’s batting has ensured that Afghanistan will face a huge task on their hands.
Zimbabwe vs Afghanistan One-off Test, Day 3 Highlights
Afghanistan struggled throughout, bowled out for 127 in their very first innings, with only Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37) and Abdul Malik (30) putting up any resistance. Zimbabwe’s bowling was led by Brad Evans (5/22) and Blessing Muzarabani (3/47), consistently exploiting the visitors’ weak batting line-up.
On day three, the Zimbabwean bowlers finished the job clinically. Afghanistan’s second innings started promisingly with Ibrahim Zadran (42) looking comfortable, but once Richard Ngarava got going, wickets fell quickly. The left-arm paceman took a match-winning 5/37 to reduce Afghanistan to 159 from 43/2.
On Day 3 alone, Afghanistan lost nine wickets for 116 runs, with only brief resistance from Bahir Shah (32) and Afsar Zazai (18). Muzarabani (3/48) and Tanaka Chivanga (2/40) complemented Ngarava perfectly, leaving Afghanistan’s line-up exposed and struggling.
Zimbabwe’s victory was both symbolic and emphatic, showing a new strength in Test cricket. Captain Craig Ervine led the team with composure and discipline while the combination of experience and youth produced a performance that was dominant from start to finish.
A brief score
Afghanistan 1st Innings: 127 all out in 32.3 overs. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37), Abdul Malik (30); Brad Evans (5/22), Blessing Muzarabani (3/47)
Zimbabwe 1st Innings: 359 in all in 103 versions. Ben Curran (121), Sikandar Raza (65); Ziaur Rahman (7/97), Ismat Alam (2/51)
Afghanistan 2nd innings: 159 in all in 43 versions. Ibrahim Zadran (42), Bahir Shah (32); Richard Ngarava (5/37), Blessing Muzarabani (3/48)
Result: Zimbabwe won by an innings and 73 runs
Player of the match: Ben Curran (ZIM) – 121 runs
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
October 22, 2025
