Zimbabwe made history on Tuesday by recording the biggest win in their Test cricket history, defeating Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in a one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club. Led by Richard Ngarava, the hosts did their best to show Bangladesh in every department and seal a memorable victory. After winning the toss and electing to toss, Zimbabwe’s run made an immediate impact as Bangladesh were reduced to 140 in their first innings. The visitors lost eight wickets for just seven runs in a spectacular collapse, and Mominul Haque standing as the only batsman to offer resistance, scoring 60 from 81 deliveries. Newman Nyamhuri played the ball with the ball, 4/61, while captain Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up two wickets each to end Bangladesh’s collapse. Zimbabwe then improved by starting strongly with an impressive display. Opener Innocent Kaia hit a superb 140 to set up the innings, right Craig Ervine (60), Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere both contributed half-centuries as the hosts piled up 410 in their innings alone. Although Taijul Islam 7 wickets in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe still have a lead of 270 runs. Faced with a huge deficit, Bangladesh needed a special effort to increase the contest but failed to recover. They were bowled out for 185 in their second innings, giving Zimbabwe victory by an innings and 85 runs. Blessing Muzarabani led with figures of 4/65, while Ngarava took 3/32. Brad Evans and Newman Nyamhuri also performed well as Zimbabwe’s four-man pace attack saw each member of the quartet pick up wickets in both innings. The result marked another milestone for Zimbabwe, who have now won back-to-back matches for the first time in over 25 years. Their previous Test, played in October, ended in a 73-run victory over Afghanistan, and now they have followed it up with another impressive performance against Bangladesh. Short 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 Ervinesly Craig, Wevere Craig, Wervinesly 50*; Taijul Islam 7-138) with innings and 85 walks.
