Zimbabwe created history on Tuesday by registering the biggest win in 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 outdo 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 as the only batsman to offer resistance, scoring 60 off 81 deliveries. Newman Nyamhuri played with the ball, claiming 4/61, while captain Richard Ngarava, Benedict Muzarabani and Brad Evans took two wickets each to complete Bangladesh’s collapse. Then Zimbabwe capitalized on the strong start with an impressive batting display. Opener Innocent Kaia made a superb 140 to end 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. However Taijul Islam claimed seven wickets for Bangladesh, Zimbabwe still secured a first innings lead of 270 runs. Faced with a huge deficit, Bangladesh needed a special effort to extend the contest, but it did not come back. 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 struck as Zimbabwe’s four-man attack ensured each member of the quartet took wickets in both innings. The result marked another 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 in an innings and 73-run win over Afghanistan, and now they have followed it up with another dominant 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, We Craigs 410, Innocent Madhevere 50*; Taijul Islam 7-138) for an innings and 85 runs.
