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Zimbabwe produced a commanding performance to crush Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club, registering their first home Test victory in over a decade. From the opening session on Day 1 to the final wicket on Day 3, the hosts were in complete control, combining disciplined bowling and composed batting to secure a memorable triumph.
Brad Evans sets the tone with fiery five-wicket haul
The match began with Zimbabwe’s pacers breathing fire on a lively Harare surface. Brad Evans led the charge with a career-best 5/22 as Afghanistan crumbled to 127 in their first innings. His relentless accuracy and movement through the air exposed the visitors’ lack of red-ball preparation. None of the Afghan batters managed to convert their starts, with only Ibrahim Zadran showing some resistance before falling for 28.
Afghanistan’s eight-month absence from Test cricket was evident as they struggled to adapt to the pace and discipline required at this level. Zimbabwe’s bowlers capitalized brilliantly, ensuring their side held the early advantage.
Ben Curran’s classy century anchors Zimbabwe’s dominance
In reply, Zimbabwe’s batting line-up showcased grit and maturity, headlined by a magnificent maiden Test century from Ben Curran. The left-hander, who looked compact and composed throughout, scored a fluent 121 that formed the backbone of Zimbabwe’s total of 359.
Curran’s knock was a blend of patience and precision as he punished loose deliveries while negotiating the Afghan spinners with soft hands. Crucial contributions from captain Craig Ervine and wicketkeeper Clive Madande ensured the hosts built a healthy first-innings lead of 232 runs. Despite a few spirited spells from the Afghan bowlers, including a brief fightback from Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zimbabwe never relinquished control.
Richard Ngarava’s maiden five-for seals the win
If Brad Evans dismantled Afghanistan’s first innings, it was Richard Ngarava who took charge in the second. The left-arm pacer bowled with exceptional rhythm and accuracy, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul (5/37) in Test cricket. His ability to extract movement off the pitch and target the stumps relentlessly proved too much for Afghanistan, who were bowled out for just 159.
Ibrahim Zadran once again looked the best of the Afghan batters with a fluent 42, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. From 85/3, Afghanistan lost their last seven wickets for just 74 runs, ending any hopes of a fightback. Zimbabwe wrapped up the victory inside eight sessions — a testament to their clinical execution in all departments.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Fans erupt as Ben Curran lights up Harare with maiden Test century
Here’s how fans reacted:
Huge victory! 🎉
Zimbabwe win by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Match Details 👉
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv)
A disappointing result for as they fall short by an inning and 73 runs in the solitary test match against Zimbabwe.
The T20I series will begin next week, with the first match being slotted for Wednesday, October 29, in Harare. 👍 |…
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials)
The chevrons have done us proud 👏 🔥🇿🇼
Special mention to the Ben Curran for his century,Evans and Ngarava for their 5-fors and the rest of the squad for performing in an excellent way.— Ser Chrīstiānus Pheno (@munacips)
I've seen enough, give us a 5 match test series with Australia man! Venue? You decide
— ChiSikandar Raza (@drjhmapfumo)
Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs, their first innings victory in 24 years (third ever) and their biggest ever win in test cricket. Led by maiden five wicket hauls from Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava and a maiden century from Ben Curran. Tremendous
— David Ingram (@DavidIngram90)
Afghans totally humiliated by Zimbabwe….
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander)
We prayed for times like these, we won by an inning
— #Visit Vic Falls (@coytin_nelo)
🚨 A HISTORIC DAY FOR ZIMBABWE 🚨
– Zimbabwe won a Test match at home after 12 years. 👏
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns)
Absolute team effort by Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Batters, bowlers, fielders – all on point. Captaincy sharp as ever. And let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes heroes keeping the gears running. Simply brilliant!The most complete display in a while. Proud of the boys! 🔥💪
— Elton Phiri (@elton_phiri)
The Chevrons seal a DOMINANT innings and 73-run victory over Afghanistan! 🦁 This is a historic moment for Zimbabwe Cricket – it's only their third-ever win by an innings in Test history and the biggest victory ever. 🏆🏏 🎉
— GodwiN Mamhiyo (@GodwinMamhiyo)
Congratulations to Zimbabwe for their well deserved Victory over AFGHANISTAN. It‘s quit disappointing to see how afghan Players Played the Game. Time to Take Test cricket serious & think of improvement ASAP.
— Shukrullah Adnan (@AFGHAN1560)
Zimbabwe record their first innings victory in over 24 years 🇿🇼
— Asad Khan Waiz Awan 🇵🇰❤️ (@Akwaofficial444)
Congratulations Chevrons on the Test win , that's how we should be playing .A good well rounded team performance .Let's build on this
— Roms (@iniroms)
Up up the Chevrons 😭😭🫡🫡😍😍💯💯💯
— Eazy E 😎 (@_Elgine_21)