Zimbabwe Crush Afghanistan to Secure First Home Test Win in 12 Years

Harare, October 22, 2025 — Zimbabwe registered a historic victory on Wednesday, defeating Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club. The emphatic win marked Zimbabwe’s first Test triumph at home since 2013, their first innings victory since 2001, and their largest Test win in history.

Left-arm seamer Richard Ngarava was the standout performer, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with figures of 5 for 37 in Afghanistan’s second innings. He was well-supported by Blessing Muzarabani (3 for 48) and Tanaka Chivanga (2 for 40), as Afghanistan folded for 159 before lunch on day three.

Afghanistan had resumed the day on the back foot and were quickly undone by relentless Zimbabwean pace. Ngarava and Chivanga struck early, while wicketkeeper Tafadzwa Tsiga played a crucial role behind the stumps with three sharp catches. The tourists’ hopes briefly flickered through Ibrahim Zadran’s composed 42, but a middle-order collapse sealed their fate.

Earlier in the match, Zimbabwe had posted a commanding 359 in their first innings, built around a composed 121 by Ben Curran, who was named Player of the Match, and a fluent 65 from Sikandar Raza. Afghanistan’s Ziaur Rahman took 7 for 97, but lacked support as Zimbabwe built a decisive lead of 232 runs.

Afghanistan were bundled out for 127 in their first innings, with Brad Evans taking a career-best 5 for 22. Muzarabani chipped in with three wickets, triggering a collapse from a promising 77 for 1.

Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine praised his team’s fightback after a poor start on day one.

“I’m ecstatic,” Ervine said after the win. “We didn’t start well, but the way the boys pulled it back was excellent. Curran's knock showed great composure, and our bowlers were outstanding throughout.”

Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi lamented the lack of Test experience and a critical collapse on the first day.

“We started well, but that collapse cost us. The pitch supported seamers, but we didn’t bat well. Experience in this format is what we’re lacking,” he admitted.

The two teams will now shift focus to the three-match T20I series, beginning on October 29.