Zimbabwe Secures Emphatic Innings Victory Over Afghanistan

• By RubaiSport
• Posted Friday, October 24, 2025

A Clinical Performance from the Home Side

Zimbabwe Crushes Afghanistan in Dominant Innings Victory at Harare Sports Club

Harare Sports Club bore witness to a commanding performance by the home side as Zimbabwe emphatically defeated Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the solitary Test match of the Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025/26. The match, played from October 23-24, 2025, saw Zimbabwe completely outclass their opponents across all departments, securing a comprehensive victory well within four days and sending a strong message about their growing prowess in the longest format of the game.

From the moment the first ball was bowled, Zimbabwe seized control, systematically dismantling the Afghan batting line-up and then piling on a formidable first-innings total that rendered Afghanistan's second attempt futile. The victory was a testament to disciplined bowling, resilient batting, and astute captaincy, leaving Afghanistan with much to ponder as they look to build their Test cricket foundation.

Afghanistan's First Innings Collapse: Brad Evans' Five-Star Show Leads the Charge

Winning the toss and electing to bat first, Afghanistan's decision quickly backfired as Zimbabwe's pace attack, spearheaded by the impressive Brad Evans, wreaked havoc on a seemingly fresh Harare pitch. The Afghan top order struggled to cope with the bounce and movement, finding themselves in deep trouble early on.

Openers Ibrahim Zadran and Abdul Malik showed glimpses of intent, with Zadran hitting 19 off 23 balls (4x4) and Malik contributing 30 off 40 balls (2x4). However, their efforts were sporadic and ultimately short-lived. Rahmanullah Gurbaz offered the most resistance, scoring a brisk 37 runs from just 37 deliveries, including 3 boundaries, before falling to the relentless pressure. Hashmatullah Shahidi (7) and Bahir Shah (12) failed to convert their starts, leaving the middle order exposed.

The star of Afghanistan's first innings collapse was undoubtedly Brad Evans. His incisive spell saw him carve through the Afghan batting order with remarkable precision, finishing with outstanding figures of 5 wickets for just 22 runs from 9.3 overs. Evans' victims included the crucial wickets of Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afsar Zazai, Sharafuddin Ashraf, Khalil Gurbaz, and Ziaur Rahman, highlighting his ability to strike at crucial junctures. Supporting Evans admirably was Blessing Muzarabani, who claimed 3 wickets for 47 runs from his 11 overs, while Tanaka Chivanga chipped in with one wicket.

Afghanistan's first innings ended abruptly, bowled out for a paltry 127 runs in just 32.3 overs. This dismal total set the tone for the remainder of the match and put immense pressure on their bowlers to respond with an equally formidable performance.

Afghanistan 1st Innings Scorecard Summary:

• Total: 127 all out (32.3 Overs)
• Top Scorers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (37 off 37), Abdul Malik (30 off 40), Ibrahim Zadran (19 off 23)
• Key Bowlers (Zimbabwe): Brad Evans (9.3-0-22-5), Blessing Muzarabani (11-0-47-3), Tanaka Chivanga (6-0-29-1)

Zimbabwe's Dominant Reply: Ben Curran's Gritty Century and Sikandar Raza's Flair

With a modest total to chase, Zimbabwe's batsmen approached their first innings with a blend of caution and aggression, intent on building a substantial lead. Leading the charge was opener Ben Curran, who played a magnificent, career-defining innings. Curran displayed immense patience and excellent technique, anchoring the innings with a brilliant century.

Despite an early setback with the dismissal of Brian Bennett for 6, Curran found a solid partner in Nick Welch. The duo put on a crucial partnership, with Welch contributing a valuable 49 runs from 89 balls, including 5 fours and 1 six. Following Welch's dismissal, Curran continued to bat with composure, forming another vital stand with the experienced Brendan Taylor (32 off 43 balls, 6x4).

The real acceleration came when Sikandar Raza joined Curran at the crease. Raza, known for his attacking style, scored a fluent 65 runs from just 88 balls, embellished with 7 boundaries, providing the impetus needed to further stretch Zimbabwe's lead. His partnership with Curran demoralized the Afghan bowlers, who struggled to contain the flow of runs.

Curran eventually fell for a magnificent 121 runs from 256 deliveries, having struck 15 boundaries, a truly heroic effort that laid the foundation for Zimbabwe's imposing total. Even after his departure, Brad Evans, fresh from his five-wicket haul, showed his all-round capabilities by contributing an unbeaten 35 runs from 48 balls (4x4, 1x6) towards the tail end. Tafadzwa Tsiga (17), Blessing Muzarabani (5), and Tanaka Chivanga (5) also added crucial runs.

For Afghanistan, the bowling honours were almost entirely claimed by Ziaur Rahman. The left-arm spinner delivered a monumental spell, toiling for 32 overs and taking an incredible 7 wickets for 97 runs. His victims included the top-scoring Ben Curran, Nick Welch, Brendan Taylor, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Richard Ngarava, Blessing Muzarabani, and Tanaka Chivanga. This performance was a remarkable individual effort in an otherwise challenging innings for Afghanistan. Ismat Alam also chipped in with 2 wickets for 51 runs from 15 overs, while Sharafuddin Ashraf took one wicket.

Zimbabwe ultimately declared or were bowled out for a formidable 359 runs in 103 overs, establishing a massive first-innings lead of 232 runs, which put them firmly in the driver's seat.

Zimbabwe 1st Innings Scorecard Summary:

• Total: 359 all out (103 Overs)
• Top Scorers: Ben Curran (121 off 256), Sikandar Raza (65 off 88), Nick Welch (49 off 89), Brad Evans (35* off 48)
• Key Bowlers (Afghanistan): Ziaur Rahman (32-1-97-7), Ismat Alam (15-2-51-2), Sharafuddin Ashraf (17-1-65-1)

Afghanistan's Second Innings Struggle: Ngarava's Five-Wicket Haul Seals the Deal

Facing a monumental deficit of 232 runs, Afghanistan's second innings began under immense pressure, with the prospect of an innings defeat looming large. They needed a heroic batting effort to save the match, but Zimbabwe's bowlers were in no mood to relent.

Once again, Afghanistan's top order crumbled against a disciplined and aggressive Zimbabwean bowling unit. Richard Ngarava, who had gone wicketless in the first innings, stepped up magnificently in the second. With pace, swing, and accuracy, Ngarava tore through the Afghan line-up, claiming 5 wickets for just 37 runs from his 13 overs. His impactful spell included the crucial wickets of Ibrahim Zadran, Abdul Malik, Hashmatullah Shahidi, Ismat Alam, and Sharafuddin Ashraf.

Ibrahim Zadran showed some resilience at the top, scoring 42 runs from 59 balls (5x4) and attempting to stabilize the innings, but he lacked sustained support. Bahir Shah played a short but aggressive cameo, smashing 32 runs from only 33 balls, including 6 boundaries, providing a brief glimmer of hope. Afsar Zazai (18) and Ismat Alam (16) also made starts, but none could convert them into significant scores.

Blessing Muzarabani continued his impressive form from the first innings, adding 3 more wickets for 48 runs from 12 overs to his tally, while Tanaka Chivanga picked up 2 wickets for 40 runs from 11 overs. The combined efforts of the Zimbabwean bowlers ensured that Afghanistan never truly recovered from their precarious position.

Afghanistan was eventually bowled out for 159 runs in 43 overs, handing Zimbabwe a comprehensive victory by an innings and 73 runs. The match concluded on Day 4, a testament to Zimbabwe's overwhelming dominance.

Afghanistan 2nd Innings Scorecard Summary:

• Total: 159 all out (43 Overs)
• Top Scorers: Ibrahim Zadran (42 off 59), Bahir Shah (32 off 33), Afsar Zazai (18 off 36)
• Key Bowlers (Zimbabwe): Richard Ngarava (13-2-37-5), Blessing Muzarabani (12-0-48-3), Tanaka Chivanga (11-0-40-2)

Key Performers and Turning Points

Zimbabwe's victory was a collective effort, but several individual performances stood out:

• Ben Curran (Zimbabwe): His magnificent 121 in the first innings was the bedrock of Zimbabwe's imposing total. His patience and stroke play under pressure were exemplary, earning him the player of the match accolades.
• Brad Evans (Zimbabwe): The all-rounder was outstanding, picking up a crucial 5-wicket haul (5/22) in Afghanistan's first innings and contributing an unbeaten 35 runs with the bat, showcasing his growing importance to the team.
• Richard Ngarava (Zimbabwe): After a quiet first innings, Ngarava roared back in the second, taking a devastating 5-wicket haul (5/37) that sealed Afghanistan's fate. His pace and hostile bowling proved too much for the visitors.
• Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe): Consistently impressive, Muzarabani took 3 wickets in both innings, ending with a match tally of 6/95, always providing crucial breakthroughs.
• Ziaur Rahman (Afghanistan): Despite his team's crushing defeat, Ziaur Rahman's incredible 7-wicket haul (7/97) in Zimbabwe's first innings was a heroic individual performance. He was the lone warrior for Afghanistan's bowling attack, keeping them in the contest for as long as he could.

The turning point of the match was undoubtedly Afghanistan's disastrous first innings, where they were bowled out for just 127. This set Zimbabwe up perfectly to build an insurmountable lead, from which Afghanistan never recovered.

A Statement Victory for Zimbabwe Cricket

This comprehensive innings victory marks a significant milestone for Zimbabwe cricket. It demonstrates their ability to dominate an opponent in Test match conditions, particularly at home. The balanced performance from their batsmen, led by Ben Curran, and the collective brilliance of their pace attack, with Evans, Ngarava, and Muzarabani sharing the spoils, highlights the depth and talent emerging within the squad.

For Zimbabwe, this win against a Test-playing nation like Afghanistan will inject immense confidence into the team. It validates their commitment to Test cricket and suggests a bright future for the Chevrons in the longest format.

Afghanistan's Learning Curve and The Road Ahead

For Afghanistan, this "Only Test" served as a harsh lesson. While Ziaur Rahman's individual brilliance with the ball was commendable, the team's batting unit failed to fire in both innings. They struggled to build partnerships and withstand sustained pressure from Zimbabwe's bowlers. This match highlighted the need for greater resilience, improved technique, and more consistent performances from their batsmen in Test cricket.

Despite the defeat, experiences like these are crucial for a developing Test nation like Afghanistan. They provide invaluable exposure to different conditions and opposition, offering critical insights into areas that require immediate attention and improvement. The team will need to reflect on their performance, particularly their batting frailties, and work towards building a more robust and consistent Test side for future tours.

Conclusion

The Afghanistan tour of Zimbabwe 2025/26 Test match concluded with a resounding victory for Zimbabwe, showcasing their rising strength in international cricket. Ben Curran's masterful century, coupled with devastating five-wicket hauls from Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava, ensured that Zimbabwe controlled the game from start to finish. Afghanistan, despite Ziaur Rahman's exceptional bowling, found themselves outmatched across all aspects of the game. This dominant performance will be a significant boost for Zimbabwe as they look to assert themselves further on the global stage, while Afghanistan will take valuable lessons from this challenging encounter as they continue their journey in Test cricket.