NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe on Tuesday created history by registering their biggest Test win ever and winning back-to-back Test matches for the first time in over 25 years. Headed by Richard NgaravaZimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club. The win came after their massive innings-and-run win over Afghanistan in October 2025, giving Zimbabwe back-to-back Test wins for the first time since April 2001.The last time Zimbabwe achieved the feat was when they beat Bangladesh 2-0 in a Test series in 2001. Overall, this is only the third time they have won Tests in a row, having also beaten India and Pakistan in back-to-back matches in 1998.
Zimbabwe dominated from start to finish
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers tore through Bangladesh’s batting line-up. The visitors were bowled out for just 140 in the first innings after losing eight wickets for just seven runs. Mominul Haque struggled on his own with 60, while Newman Nyamhuri chipped in with four wickets. Captain Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans took two wickets each.Zimbabwe then took complete control with the bat. Innocent Kaia he scored a world-class 140, while Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere all made half-centuries as the hosts scored 410 in their first innings. Taijul Islam claimed seven wickets for Bangladesh.Holding a huge first innings lead of 270, Zimbabwe never allowed Bangladesh to claw their way back into the contest. The visitors were bowled out for 185 in their second innings as Ngarava, Muzarabani, Evans and Nyamhuri again shared the wickets to seal a memorable win.
Ngarava proud after making history
Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarava said this achievement means a lot to the team.“Well, it feels good to make history. It’s two series in a row and it’s always a good feeling and hopefully we can keep it going.”He also praised the growing number of players in Zimbabwe and said it has strengthened the team.“It was very important because before we were looking at 25 players, 30 and now we have 42 players, it’s a bigger pool and we can kind of share the load more with the bowlers. We can pick the best batsmen in the country and get a better performance.”The captain highlighted the contribution of his batsmen and gave special praise to youngster Newman Nyamhuri.“Brian Bennett was one of the best batsmen in our team and everyone else had to chip in with some runs and that’s what makes a team. Everyone has to contribute. And that’s why you see this W result. Newman is going to be something big in the future for Zimbabwe. I’m really proud of him, how fast he’s learning.”Looking ahead to the ODI series, Ngarava said:“There will be a few days off but I’m looking forward to the ODIs and taking it one day at a time and seeing how it goes.”
