Zimbabwe created history on Tuesday by recording the biggest victory 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 a commanding all-round performance to outplay Bangladesh in every department and seal a memorable triumph. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Zimbabwe’s pace attack made an immediate impact as Bangladesh collapsed to 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 batter to offer resistance, scoring 60 off 81 deliveries. Newman Nyamhuri starred with the ball, claiming 4/61, while captain Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up two wickets each to complete Bangladesh’s downfall. Zimbabwe then capitalised on the strong start with an impressive batting display. Opener Innocent Kaia struck a superb 140 to anchor the innings, while Craig Ervine (60), Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere all contributed half-centuries as the hosts piled up 410 in their only innings. Although Taijul Islam claimed seven wickets for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe still secured a commanding first-innings lead of 270 runs. Facing a huge deficit, Bangladesh needed a special effort to extend the contest but failed to recover. They were dismissed for 185 in their second innings, handing Zimbabwe victory by an 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 pace attack ensured every member of the quartet picked up 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 more than 25 years. Their previous Test, played in October, ended in an innings and 73-run victory over Afghanistan, and they have now followed it up with another dominant performance against Bangladesh. Brief scores: 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) by an innings and 85 runs.
