Zimbabwe’s Chevrons Crush Afghanistan to Claim First Home Test Win in 12 Years

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

Zimbabwe’s senior men’s cricket team, the Chevrons, ended a long wait for home Test success with a dominant innings and 73-run victory over Afghanistan in the one-off Test match at Harare Sports Club on Wednesday.

The result marked Zimbabwe’s first home Test win in 12 years, their largest-ever win by an innings, and only their third overall victory by an innings in Test cricket.

The Chevrons wrapped up the match in just one and a half sessions on day three, capping off one of their most complete performances in recent memory.

Also Read: Brad Evans Breaks Heath Streak’s Record with Fiery Five-for in One-Off Test Against Afghanistan

Evans, Curran, and Ngarava Lead the Charge

Zimbabwe’s triumph was built on a series of standout performances. Bradley Evans produced a maiden Test five-wicket haul in the first innings to skittle Afghanistan for 127.

Ben Curran followed with a superb maiden Test century as Zimbabwe posted 359 in reply, building a commanding 233-run lead.

On day three, Richard Ngarava took centre stage with a maiden Test five-for, dismantling the Afghan batting lineup for 159 and sealing the emphatic win.

Zimbabwe Crush Afghanistan to Claim First Home Test Win in 12 Years (Image Credit: Facebook/ Zimbabwe Cricket)

Afghanistan Struggle to Contain Zimbabwe’s Momentum

Afghanistan began day three on 34-1 but struggled to build any resistance against Zimbabwe’s disciplined attack. Only Ibrahim Zadran (42) and Bahir Shah (32) managed to make notable contributions as Ngarava ran through the rest of the order.

For Zimbabwe, this victory was a major statement after winning just one of their previous 17 Tests. It was also their second Test win of the year, signalling a potential resurgence in red-ball cricket for the Chevrons.