Zimbabwe created history on Tuesday by registering the biggest win in their Test cricket history, defeating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club. Led by Richard Ngarava, the hosts produced an incredible all-round performance to outplay Bangladesh in all segments and seal a memorable triumph. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Zimbabwe’s pace attack made an immediate impact as Bangladesh were bowled out for 140 in their first innings. The visitors lost eight wickets for just seven runs during a dramatic collapse, with Mominul Haque standing out as the only batsman to resist, scoring 60 off 81 deliveries. Newman Nyamhuri stared with the ball, taking 4/61, while captain Richard Ngarava, Bless Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up two wickets each for Bangladesh’s complete collapse. Zimbabwe then capitalized on a strong start with an impressive strike. Opener Innocent Kaia hit a superb 140 to anchor the innings, while Craig Ervine (60), Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere contributed half-centuries as the hosts piled up 410 in their only innings. Although Taijul Islam Taking seven wickets for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe still secured a 270-run first innings lead. Faced with a huge deficit, Bangladesh needed to make a special effort to extend the contest but failed to recover. They were dismissed for 185 in the second innings, giving Zimbabwe a victory by one innings and 85 runs. Blessing Muzarabani led the attack with figures of 4/65 while Ngarava claimed 3/32. Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri also chipped in as Zimbabwe’s four-man attack ensured each member of the quartet claimed wickets in both innings. The result marked another significant milestone for Zimbabwe, who have now won back-to-back Test matches for the first time in over 25 years. Their previous Test, played in October, ended with an innings and 73-run win over Afghanistan, and now they followed it up with another dominant performance against Bangladesh. Points for letters: Bangladesh 140 (Mominul Haque 60; Newman Nyamhuri 4-61, Blessing Muzarabani 2-19) and 185 (Mushfiqur Rahim 34; Blessing Muzarabani 4-65, Richard Ngarava 3-32) lost to Zimbabwe 410 (Innocent Kaia 140, Craig Ervine 60, Wessly Madhevere 50*; Taijul Islam 7-138). per innings and 85 runs.
