Zimbabwe produced an impressive performance to crush Afghanistan with an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club, recording their first home Test win in over a decade. From the opening session on Day 1 to the last wicket on Day 3, the hosts were in complete control, combining disciplined bowling and composed batting to secure a memorable victory.
Brad Evans sets the tone with a fiery five-wicket haul
The match started with Zimbabwe’s pacers breathing fire on a lively Harare surface. Brad Evans led the attack with a career-best 5/22 as Afghanistan crumbled to 127 in their first innings. His ruthless accuracy and movement through the air exposed the visitors’ lack of red-ball preparation. None of the Afghan batters managed to convert their starts, with only Ibrahim Zadran showing some resistance before falling for 28.
Afghanistan’s eight-month absence from Test cricket was evident as they struggled to adapt to the pace and discipline required at this level. Zimbabwe’s bowlers took advantage brilliantly and ensured their side retained the early advantage.
Ben Curran’s stylish century cements Zimbabwe’s dominance
In reply, Zimbabwe’s batting line-up showed grit and maturity, headlined by a magnificent maiden Test century from Ben Curran. The left-hander, who looked compact and composed throughout, scored a fluent 121 that formed the backbone of Zimbabwe’s total of 359.
Curran’s knock was a mixture of patience and precision as he punished loose deliveries while negotiating the Afghan spinners with soft hands. Crucial contributions from captain Craig Ervine and wicketkeeper Clive Madande ensured the hosts built a healthy first-innings lead of 232 runs. Despite some spirited spells from the Afghan bowlers, including a brief fightback from Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zimbabwe never relinquished control.
Richard Ngarava’s opening five-for seals the victory
If Brad Evans dismantled Afghanistan’s first innings, then so be it Richard Ship who took the lead in the second. The left-arm pacer bowled with exceptional rhythm and accuracy to claim his first five-wicket haul (5/37) in Test cricket. His ability to take movement off the field and aim ruthlessly at the stumps proved too much for Afghanistan, who conceded just 159 points.
Ibrahim Zadran again looked the best of the Afghan batters with a fluent 42, but his dismissal caused a collapse. From 85/3, Afghanistan lost their last seven wickets for just 74 runs, ending hopes of a fightback. Zimbabwe wrapped up the win within eight sessions – a testament to their clinical execution across all departments.
Also READ: ZIM vs AFG: Fans erupt as Ben Curran lights up Harare with first Test century
Here’s how fans reacted:
Huge win! 🎉
Zimbabwe wins by one innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Match details 👉 https://t.co/93lIGK8eEo#ZIMvAFG #Experience Zimbabwe pic.twitter.com/jSplsI9ufm
— Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) October 22, 2025
A disappointing result for #AfghanAtalan as they fell an innings and 73 runs short in the solitary Test match against Zimbabwe.
The T20I series starts next week, with the first match on Wednesday, October 29 in Harare. 👍#ZIMvAFG |… pic.twitter.com/L35aQrvq69
— Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 22, 2025
The chevrons made us proud 👏 🔥🇿🇼
Special mention to Ben Curran for his century, Evans and Ngarava for their 5-fors and the rest of the squad for their excellent performances.#ZIMvAFG #chevrons pic.twitter.com/37gsun0lmO— Being a Christian Pheno (@munacips) October 22, 2025
I’ve seen enough, give us a 5 match test series with the Australian man! Location? You decide#ZIMvAFG
— ChiSikandar Raza (@drjhmapfumo) October 22, 2025
Zimbabwe defeated Afghanistan by one innings and 73 runs, their first innings win in 24 years (third ever) and their biggest ever win in test cricket. Led by the first five wicket hauls from Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava and a maiden century from Ben Curran. Enormous #ZIMvAFG
— David Ingram (@DavidIngram90) October 22, 2025
Afghans totally humiliated by Zimbabwe…. #ZimvAfg
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) October 22, 2025
We prayed for times like this, we won by an inning#ZIMvAFG
— #Visit Vic Falls (@coytin_nelo) October 22, 2025
🚨A HISTORIC DAY FOR ZIMBABWE 🚨
– Zimbabwe won a test match at home after twelve years. 👏 pic.twitter.com/aBBUU9lWpn
— Johannes. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 22, 2025
Absolute team performance from Zimbabwe 🇿🇼
Batters, bowlers, fielders – all on point. Captaincy as sharp as ever. And let’s not forget the heroes behind the scenes who keep things running. Simply brilliant!The most complete rendering in a while. Proud of the boys! 🔥💪 #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/f7lJ6wvui8
— Elton Phiri (@elton_phiri) October 22, 2025
The Chevrons seal a DOMINANT innings and 73-run victory over Afghanistan! 🦁 This is a historic moment for Zimbabwe Cricket – it’s only their third ever win by an innings in Test history and the biggest win ever. 🏆🏏 #Cricket #Zimbabwe #ZIMvAFG #History 🎉
— Godwin Mamhiyo (@GodwinMamhiyo) October 22, 2025
Congratulations to Zimbabwe for their well-deserved victory over AFGHANISTAN. It’s quite disappointing to see how Afghan players played the game. Time to take cricket seriously and think about improvements as soon as possible. #ZIMvAFG
— Sjokrullah Adnan (@AFGHAN1560) October 22, 2025
Zimbabwe record their first innings victory in over 24 years 🇿🇼#ZIMvAFG #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/7jv7BswQiO
— Asad Khan Waiz no 🇵🇰❤️ (@akwawafficial44) October 22, 2025
Congratulations to Chevrons on the Test win, that’s how we should play. A good, well-rounded team performance. Let’s build on this #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/UYH83TFd2Z
— Roms (@iniroms) October 22, 2025
Up the Chevrons 😭😭🫡🫡😍😍💯💯💯#ZIMvAFG #Experience Zimbabwe
— Eazy E 😎 (@_Elgine_21) October 22, 2025
Also READ: Fans go wild as Senuran Muthusamy and Kagiso Rabada lead South Africa to 71-run lead over Pakistan on Day 3 of the second Test
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