NEW DELHI: Zimbabwe created history on Tuesday by registering their biggest-ever Test victory and winning back-to-back Test matches for the first time in more than 25 years. Led by Richard Ngarava, Zimbabwe crushed Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs in the one-off Test at the Harare Sports Club. The victory came after their massive innings-and-73-run win over Afghanistan in October 2025, giving Zimbabwe successive Test wins for the first time since April 2001.The last time Zimbabwe achieved the feat was when they whitewashed Bangladesh 2-0 in a Test series in 2001. Overall, this is only the third time they have won consecutive Tests, having also beaten India and Pakistan in successive matches in 1998.
Zimbabwe dominate from start to finish
After winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers ripped through Bangladesh’s batting line-up. The visitors were bowled out for just 140 in the first innings after losing eight wickets for only seven runs. Mominul Haque fought alone with 60, while Newman Nyamhuri starred with four wickets. Captain Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans picked up two wickets each.Zimbabwe then took complete control with the bat. Innocent Kaia scored a superb 140, while Craig Ervine, Brian Bennett and Wessly Madhevere all made half-centuries as the hosts posted 410 in their first innings. Taijul Islam claimed seven wickets for Bangladesh.Holding a massive first-innings lead of 270, Zimbabwe never allowed Bangladesh back into the contest. The visitors were dismissed for 185 in their second innings as Ngarava, Muzarabani, Evans and Nyamhuri shared the wickets once again to seal a memorable victory.
Ngarava proud after making history
Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarava said the achievement meant a lot to the team.“Well, it’s a nice feeling to be making history. This is two in a row series, and it’s always a nice feeling and hopefully we can continue with that.”He also praised Zimbabwe’s growing player pool and said it has strengthened the team.“It was quite important because from before, we used to look at like 25 players, 30, and having 42 players now, that’s a bigger pool, and we can sort of like get to share the workloads with the bowlers more. We get to pick the best batters in the country and get a better performance.”The captain highlighted the contributions from his batters and had special praise for youngster Newman Nyamhuri.“Brian Bennett has been one of the best batters in our team, and everyone else, they had to chip in with some runs, and that makes a team. Everyone has to contribute something. And, that’s why you see this W result. Newman is going to be something big in the future for Zimbabwe. I’m really proud of him, how quickly he’s learning.”Looking ahead to the ODI series, Ngarava said:“There’s going to be a couple of days of rest, but I’m looking forward to the ODIs and take it day by day and see how it goes.”
