Zimbabwe created history by recording the biggest Test win in the team’s history. Led by Richard Ngarava, the hosts crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club.
After winning the toss, Zimbabwe chose to bowl first and made the perfect start. Their fast bowlers put Bangladesh under pressure right from the beginning, reducing them to 140 in the first innings. Mominul Haque was the only batter who looked comfortable, scoring a fighting 60 off 81 balls. Young pacer Newman Nyamhuri impressed with four wickets, while captain Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up two wickets each.
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Zimbabwe then took complete control with the bat. Opener Innocent Kaia played a superb knock of 140, while Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere all made valuable half-centuries. Their efforts helped Zimbabwe post a commanding total of 410 in the first innings. Bangladesh spinner Taijul Islam was the standout bowler for his side with seven wickets.
With a huge first-innings lead of 270 runs, Zimbabwe never allowed Bangladesh a way back into the match. The visitors were bowled out for 185 in their second innings, falling well short of making Zimbabwe bat again. The pace attack once again did the damage, with Ngarava, Muzarabani, Evans and Nyamhuri sharing the wickets and ensuring every fast bowler made an impact.
The victory is a special one for Zimbabwe as it is their biggest-ever win in Test cricket. It is also the first time in more than 25 years that they have won back-to-back Test matches. In their previous Test, played against Afghanistan in October, Zimbabwe had also secured an innings victory, winning by an innings and 73 runs. They have now followed that up with another dominant performance against Bangladesh.
Brief scores:
Bangladesh 140 (Mominul Haque 60; Newman Nyamhuri 4-61, Blessing Muzarabani 2-19) & 185 (Mushfiqur Rahim 34; Blessing Muzarabani 4-65, Richard Ngarava 3-32) lost to Zimbabwe 410 (Innocent Kaia 140, Wessly Madhevere*, Craig Ervine 60; Taijul Islam 7-138) by an innings & 85 runs.