Zimbabwe secured their first Test victory in Harare since 2013 after thrashing Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday, wrapping up the one-off Test with two days to spare.
The result marked only the third time in their history that Zimbabwe have won a Test by an innings, following similar triumphs over Pakistan in 1995 and Bangladesh in 2001.
Afghanistan, who chose to bat after losing the toss, were bundled out for just 127 in their first innings. Brad Evans led the way for Zimbabwe with a five-wicket haul, exposing the tourists’ brittle batting line-up.
In reply, Zimbabwe posted 359, powered by Ben Curran’s maiden Test century. The left-hander’s composed 121 laid the foundation for a commanding 232-run lead and earned him the player of the match award.
Afghanistan’s struggles continued in their second innings as they were dismissed for 159. Only Ibrahim Zadran (42) and Bahir Shah (32) offered resistance before Richard Ngarava produced a devastating spell of 5-37 to claim his first Test five-for.
Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine praised his team’s resilience after a difficult year in the longest format.
“It is a nice end to a tough year of Test cricket for us,” Ervine said. “On a wicket that offered a little bit throughout, I thought it was a brilliant effort with the bat from the boys. The bowlers were outstanding. Brad in the first innings picked up a five-for and Richie stepped up in the second innings and did the same.”
For Afghanistan, it was a chastening return to Test cricket following their 1-0 series win over Zimbabwe last year. Captain Hashmatullah Shahidi admitted his side had only themselves to blame.
“Zimbabwe played really good cricket, and we did not. The conditions supported the fast bowlers,” Shahidi said. “We were happy to bat first and scored 76 runs for the loss of only one wicket, then there was a spectacular collapse. We let ourselves down as a team.”
One bright spot for the visitors was debutant seamer Ziaur Rahman, who impressed with seven wickets in the match.
Brief scores:
Afghanistan 127 (32.3 overs) and 159 (43 overs)
I. Zadran 42, B. Shah 32; R. Ngarava 5-37, B. Muzarabani 3-48
Zimbabwe 359 (103 overs)
B. Curran 121
Result: Zimbabwe won by an innings and 73 runs
