410/10 (107.2)
CR : 3.82
140/10 (47.2)
CR : 2.96
Zimbabwe won by an innings and 85 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Innocent Kaia
140(227)
Over 45
Bangladesh 185/10
Hasan Mahmud15(17)
Ebadot Hossain12(10)
Newman Nyamhuri2-28(8.0)
ZIM won by an innings and 85 runs
4:57 PM IST, 1:27 PM LOCAL TIME: Some victories are built on moments... this one was built on three relentless days of belief, discipline, and dominance. Who owned this one-off Test? Zimbabwe. Almost every single session. They bowled Bangladesh out for just 140 on the opening day - piled up a commanding 410 in reply thanks to a magnificent Innocent Kaia's maiden Test century, and then wrapped up Bangladesh's second innings for 185 to seal a crushing innings-and-85-run victory inside three days. Bangladesh had their moments. Mominul Haque's first-innings 60 and Taijul Islam's superb 7/138 certainly kept them fighting. But was it enough? Not quite. Zimbabwe simply kept producing answers. Every partnership had purpose. Every breakthrough came at the perfect moment. Sometimes Test cricket rewards patience. This time, it rewarded the side that never loosened its grip.
Let's rewind this Test again....
DAY 1 -
Why did Zimbabwe choose to bowl first? The Harare surface answered that question almost immediately. Fresh grass. A cool morning. Just enough seam movement. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani bowled immaculate opening spells, while Newman Nyamhuri struck first by removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for just 2. Brad Evans then delivered another massive breakthrough with the final ball before the first drinks interval, dismissing Shadman Islam for 20. Bangladesh crawled to 36/2 after 12 overs at drinks before slowly recovering. Mominul Haque counter-punched beautifully while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto settled in. Together they rebuilt with an unbeaten 41-run stand as Bangladesh reached lunch at 76/2 after 25 overs. Zimbabwe had won the morning. Bangladesh had at least survived it.
So, did Bangladesh finally seize control after lunch? Briefly... yes. Permanently... no. Mominul reached a classy half-century off just 64 balls, taking Bangladesh past the 100-run mark in 29.4 overs while the third-wicket partnership reached 77. It looked like the visitors had weathered the storm. But Test cricket has a funny habit of changing scripts in minutes. Newman Nyamhuri struck again, removing Mominul for a superb 60, before Brad Evans trapped Najmul Hossain Shanto for 19 just before the drinks break. Bangladesh slipped to 119/4 after 36.3 overs, and suddenly Zimbabwe had the momentum back. The pressure built. The mistakes followed. The collapse was only beginning.
How dramatic was the final session of Day 1? Brutal would be the perfect word. Bangladesh lost their last eight wickets for just 27 runs, folding for only 140 in 47.2 overs. Richard Ngarava (2/18), Blessing Muzarabani (2/19), Brad Evans (2/30) and Newman Nyamhuri (4/61) combined brilliantly to dismantle the visitors. Zimbabwe then walked out with fearless intent. Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran completely flipped the narrative, racing to an 89-run opening partnership while bringing up the team's fifty in only 10.4 overs. Kaia reached a fluent half-century from just 61 deliveries as Zimbabwe finished Day 1 on 136/1 after 34 overs, trailing by merely four runs. Bangladesh searched desperately for answers. Zimbabwe simply kept asking new questions.
DAY 2 -
What happened when Day 2 began? Zimbabwe turned a promising position into complete authority. Resuming on 136/1, they lost Brendan Taylor early to Khaled Ahmed, who dismissed the former skipper for 17 with a superb delivery caught behind. Did that slow the hosts? Not even slightly. Innocent Kaia continued his masterpiece, bringing up his maiden Test hundred off 153 deliveries before batting with remarkable calm and control. Alongside him, Brian Bennett played a sparkling counter-attacking knock, reaching his fifty in just 54 balls with nine boundaries. Their outstanding 106-run third-wicket partnership completely shifted the balance of the match. Zimbabwe crossed 150 in 40.2 overs, 200 in exactly 50 overs, reached drinks at 186/2 after 47 overs and walked into lunch commanding the contest at 249/2 after 61 overs, leading by 109 runs. Kaia stood unbeaten on 127. Bennett was unbeaten on 59. Bangladesh were chasing shadows.
Could Bangladesh fight back after lunch? Finally... yes. And Taijul Islam led that charge almost single-handedly. The left-arm spinner struck in the very first over after lunch, dismissing Brian Bennett for a brilliant 59 with a sharp return catch before ending Innocent Kaia's marathon innings on 140 soon after. Just two deliveries later, Tafadzwa Tsiga was run out for 1 following a disastrous mix-up. Zimbabwe suddenly slipped from complete comfort into a mini-collapse, losing three wickets for just 30 runs. The drinks break arrived with Zimbabwe on 293/5 after 75 overs, Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere attempting another rescue act. Bangladesh had finally found some breathing space. But had they done enough to swing the Test back? The final session still had plenty more twists waiting.
Did Zimbabwe allow Bangladesh another opening in the evening? Only for a while. Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere calmly stitched together a priceless 102-run sixth-wicket partnership, blunting the second new ball and steadily extending the hosts' advantage. Ervine reached a composed fifty from 75 deliveries, while Madhevere followed with a well-crafted half-century off 76 balls. Zimbabwe crossed 300 in 77.1 overs, brought up 350 just before tea at 350/5 after 88 overs, and looked destined for an even bigger total. Bangladesh kept plugging away, though, and Taijul Islam once again became the man of the moment. He removed Ervine for 60, trapped Brad Evans lbw for 4, dismissed Newman Nyamhuri for a duck, bowled Richard Ngarava for 3, and finished the innings by trapping Blessing Muzarabani lbw for another duck. His outstanding figures of 7/138 from 40.2 overs deserved every bit of applause, but Zimbabwe still finished on a commanding 410 in 107.2 overs, earning a huge first-innings lead of 270 runs. Bangladesh survived the final nine overs of the day at 40/1, but the mountain ahead remained enormous.
DAY 3 -
So, could Bangladesh script an unlikely escape on Day 3? They certainly tried. Resuming on 40/1 with Mahmudul Hasan Joy unbeaten on 21 and Mominul Haque on 9, the visitors needed patience more than urgency. Joy added only one more run before Blessing Muzarabani dismissed him for 22, while Mominul managed just 13 before also falling to the towering pacer. Bangladesh crawled to 50 in 13.3 overs and reached the drinks break at 87/3 after 22 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim attempting to rebuild. The pair finally provided some resistance, putting together the only fifty-plus partnership of the innings - a valuable 61-run fourth-wicket stand that carried Bangladesh past the 100-run mark in 26.3 overs. Shanto looked the more fluent before Newman Nyamhuri shattered the stand by bowling him for 30. Lunch arrived with Bangladesh at 117/5 after 30.4 overs, still trailing by 153 runs and staring down an innings defeat.
Did Bangladesh have one last fight left after lunch? There were flashes of resistance, but Zimbabwe refused to blink. Towhid Hridoy departed for 9, while Amite Hasan played an enterprising knock of 25 from just 25 deliveries, striking five crisp boundaries to briefly delay the inevitable. Alongside Taijul Islam, he added 34 runs for the seventh wicket, the best partnership after lunch, but Richard Ngarava returned at exactly the right moment. The Zimbabwe captain dismissed Amite Hasan and Khaled Ahmed within the space of three deliveries, reducing Bangladesh from 158/7 to 162/9. At the drinks break, Bangladesh were 174/9 after 43 overs. Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain fought admirably, adding 23 runs for the final wicket, with both batters refusing to surrender quietly. Hasan Mahmud struck three boundaries in his 15, while Ebadot remained unbeaten on 12. Yet the end was only delayed. Newman Nyamhuri returned to dismiss Hasan Mahmud for 15, ending Bangladesh's second innings on 185 in exactly 45 overs and sealing a comprehensive Zimbabwe victory by an innings and 85 runs.
Let's rewind this Test again....
DAY 1 -
Why did Zimbabwe choose to bowl first? The Harare surface answered that question almost immediately. Fresh grass. A cool morning. Just enough seam movement. Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani bowled immaculate opening spells, while Newman Nyamhuri struck first by removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for just 2. Brad Evans then delivered another massive breakthrough with the final ball before the first drinks interval, dismissing Shadman Islam for 20. Bangladesh crawled to 36/2 after 12 overs at drinks before slowly recovering. Mominul Haque counter-punched beautifully while skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto settled in. Together they rebuilt with an unbeaten 41-run stand as Bangladesh reached lunch at 76/2 after 25 overs. Zimbabwe had won the morning. Bangladesh had at least survived it.
So, did Bangladesh finally seize control after lunch? Briefly... yes. Permanently... no. Mominul reached a classy half-century off just 64 balls, taking Bangladesh past the 100-run mark in 29.4 overs while the third-wicket partnership reached 77. It looked like the visitors had weathered the storm. But Test cricket has a funny habit of changing scripts in minutes. Newman Nyamhuri struck again, removing Mominul for a superb 60, before Brad Evans trapped Najmul Hossain Shanto for 19 just before the drinks break. Bangladesh slipped to 119/4 after 36.3 overs, and suddenly Zimbabwe had the momentum back. The pressure built. The mistakes followed. The collapse was only beginning.
How dramatic was the final session of Day 1? Brutal would be the perfect word. Bangladesh lost their last eight wickets for just 27 runs, folding for only 140 in 47.2 overs. Richard Ngarava (2/18), Blessing Muzarabani (2/19), Brad Evans (2/30) and Newman Nyamhuri (4/61) combined brilliantly to dismantle the visitors. Zimbabwe then walked out with fearless intent. Innocent Kaia and Ben Curran completely flipped the narrative, racing to an 89-run opening partnership while bringing up the team's fifty in only 10.4 overs. Kaia reached a fluent half-century from just 61 deliveries as Zimbabwe finished Day 1 on 136/1 after 34 overs, trailing by merely four runs. Bangladesh searched desperately for answers. Zimbabwe simply kept asking new questions.
DAY 2 -
What happened when Day 2 began? Zimbabwe turned a promising position into complete authority. Resuming on 136/1, they lost Brendan Taylor early to Khaled Ahmed, who dismissed the former skipper for 17 with a superb delivery caught behind. Did that slow the hosts? Not even slightly. Innocent Kaia continued his masterpiece, bringing up his maiden Test hundred off 153 deliveries before batting with remarkable calm and control. Alongside him, Brian Bennett played a sparkling counter-attacking knock, reaching his fifty in just 54 balls with nine boundaries. Their outstanding 106-run third-wicket partnership completely shifted the balance of the match. Zimbabwe crossed 150 in 40.2 overs, 200 in exactly 50 overs, reached drinks at 186/2 after 47 overs and walked into lunch commanding the contest at 249/2 after 61 overs, leading by 109 runs. Kaia stood unbeaten on 127. Bennett was unbeaten on 59. Bangladesh were chasing shadows.
Could Bangladesh fight back after lunch? Finally... yes. And Taijul Islam led that charge almost single-handedly. The left-arm spinner struck in the very first over after lunch, dismissing Brian Bennett for a brilliant 59 with a sharp return catch before ending Innocent Kaia's marathon innings on 140 soon after. Just two deliveries later, Tafadzwa Tsiga was run out for 1 following a disastrous mix-up. Zimbabwe suddenly slipped from complete comfort into a mini-collapse, losing three wickets for just 30 runs. The drinks break arrived with Zimbabwe on 293/5 after 75 overs, Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere attempting another rescue act. Bangladesh had finally found some breathing space. But had they done enough to swing the Test back? The final session still had plenty more twists waiting.
Did Zimbabwe allow Bangladesh another opening in the evening? Only for a while. Craig Ervine and Wessly Madhevere calmly stitched together a priceless 102-run sixth-wicket partnership, blunting the second new ball and steadily extending the hosts' advantage. Ervine reached a composed fifty from 75 deliveries, while Madhevere followed with a well-crafted half-century off 76 balls. Zimbabwe crossed 300 in 77.1 overs, brought up 350 just before tea at 350/5 after 88 overs, and looked destined for an even bigger total. Bangladesh kept plugging away, though, and Taijul Islam once again became the man of the moment. He removed Ervine for 60, trapped Brad Evans lbw for 4, dismissed Newman Nyamhuri for a duck, bowled Richard Ngarava for 3, and finished the innings by trapping Blessing Muzarabani lbw for another duck. His outstanding figures of 7/138 from 40.2 overs deserved every bit of applause, but Zimbabwe still finished on a commanding 410 in 107.2 overs, earning a huge first-innings lead of 270 runs. Bangladesh survived the final nine overs of the day at 40/1, but the mountain ahead remained enormous.
DAY 3 -
So, could Bangladesh script an unlikely escape on Day 3? They certainly tried. Resuming on 40/1 with Mahmudul Hasan Joy unbeaten on 21 and Mominul Haque on 9, the visitors needed patience more than urgency. Joy added only one more run before Blessing Muzarabani dismissed him for 22, while Mominul managed just 13 before also falling to the towering pacer. Bangladesh crawled to 50 in 13.3 overs and reached the drinks break at 87/3 after 22 overs, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim attempting to rebuild. The pair finally provided some resistance, putting together the only fifty-plus partnership of the innings - a valuable 61-run fourth-wicket stand that carried Bangladesh past the 100-run mark in 26.3 overs. Shanto looked the more fluent before Newman Nyamhuri shattered the stand by bowling him for 30. Lunch arrived with Bangladesh at 117/5 after 30.4 overs, still trailing by 153 runs and staring down an innings defeat.
Did Bangladesh have one last fight left after lunch? There were flashes of resistance, but Zimbabwe refused to blink. Towhid Hridoy departed for 9, while Amite Hasan played an enterprising knock of 25 from just 25 deliveries, striking five crisp boundaries to briefly delay the inevitable. Alongside Taijul Islam, he added 34 runs for the seventh wicket, the best partnership after lunch, but Richard Ngarava returned at exactly the right moment. The Zimbabwe captain dismissed Amite Hasan and Khaled Ahmed within the space of three deliveries, reducing Bangladesh from 158/7 to 162/9. At the drinks break, Bangladesh were 174/9 after 43 overs. Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain fought admirably, adding 23 runs for the final wicket, with both batters refusing to surrender quietly. Hasan Mahmud struck three boundaries in his 15, while Ebadot remained unbeaten on 12. Yet the end was only delayed. Newman Nyamhuri returned to dismiss Hasan Mahmud for 15, ending Bangladesh's second innings on 185 in exactly 45 overs and sealing a comprehensive Zimbabwe victory by an innings and 85 runs.
Biggest Win Margins for Zimbabwe in Tests:
Inns & 85 Runs v Bangladesh at Harare - THIS MATCH*
Inns & 73 Runs v Afghanistan at Harare, 2025
Inns & 64 Runs v Pakistan at Harare, 1995
Inns & 85 Runs v Bangladesh at Harare - THIS MATCH*
Inns & 73 Runs v Afghanistan at Harare, 2025
Inns & 64 Runs v Pakistan at Harare, 1995
Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh Captain): [on where the Test didn't go right] "We didn't bat properly in the first innings and that cost us the match. We didn't bowl as we would have liked as well.
[on the conditions] We have been playing some good cricket over the last few days. We prepared for the conditions but couldn't execute well. We have to adapt and the experience we had in the batting order, we didn't execute.
[on missing key bowlers] It was a part of the plan but the way the Zimbabwe bowlers bowled, I am very happy to see. The batting we have, we didn't play proper cricketing shots.
[on the white ball series] We have been playing some brilliant white ball cricket. We've been winning our recent series so boys are confident. The boys have the opportunity to prepare themselves."
[on the conditions] We have been playing some good cricket over the last few days. We prepared for the conditions but couldn't execute well. We have to adapt and the experience we had in the batting order, we didn't execute.
[on missing key bowlers] It was a part of the plan but the way the Zimbabwe bowlers bowled, I am very happy to see. The batting we have, we didn't play proper cricketing shots.
[on the white ball series] We have been playing some brilliant white ball cricket. We've been winning our recent series so boys are confident. The boys have the opportunity to prepare themselves."
PLAYER OF THE MATCH - INNOCENT KAIA
Innocent Kaia (Player of the Match): (On his return to the Zimbabwe team and maiden Test century) "First of all, I just want to thank God for giving me this opportunity to represent my country again. Scoring my maiden Test century at home feels so good. I still can't believe it. It's still sinking in, but it's a wonderful feeling.
(On the work he put in to earn his comeback) To be honest, it was quite simple. It was about putting in the hard work, thinking about my game, getting it right, and staying fit.
(On batting in challenging conditions) It was tough cricket to play, and credit to the bowlers because they bowled really well. I just want to thank God that I managed to score runs for the team.
(On the people who supported him during his comeback) My family is always close to my heart. We always keep them close, and I love them.
(On his goals for the upcoming series) I can only control my work and my processes. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I promise you big runs."
(On the work he put in to earn his comeback) To be honest, it was quite simple. It was about putting in the hard work, thinking about my game, getting it right, and staying fit.
(On batting in challenging conditions) It was tough cricket to play, and credit to the bowlers because they bowled really well. I just want to thank God that I managed to score runs for the team.
(On the people who supported him during his comeback) My family is always close to my heart. We always keep them close, and I love them.
(On his goals for the upcoming series) I can only control my work and my processes. I don't know what the outcome will be, but I promise you big runs."
Richard Ngarava (Zimbabwe Captain): [on being the 3rd Zim captain to win their first Test as skipper] "It's a nice feeling. This is a two in a row series. Hopefully we are going to continue with that.
[on the pre series camps] It was quite important because we used to look at 25 players. Having around 40 players, that's a bigger pool and we can get to pick the best bowlers and batters in the country and perform.
[on the batters] Brian Bennett has been one of the best batters in our team. Everyone else had to chip in with a couple of runs and that makes a team. Everyone has to contribute something and that's why you see this result.
[on Newman] Newman is gonna be something big in the future for Zimbabwe and I am really proud of him and how quickly he's learning.
[mood in the camp] There's going to be a couple of days to rest. I'm looking forward to the one-dayers and take it day-by-day and see how it goes."
[on the pre series camps] It was quite important because we used to look at 25 players. Having around 40 players, that's a bigger pool and we can get to pick the best bowlers and batters in the country and perform.
[on the batters] Brian Bennett has been one of the best batters in our team. Everyone else had to chip in with a couple of runs and that makes a team. Everyone has to contribute something and that's why you see this result.
[on Newman] Newman is gonna be something big in the future for Zimbabwe and I am really proud of him and how quickly he's learning.
[mood in the camp] There's going to be a couple of days to rest. I'm looking forward to the one-dayers and take it day-by-day and see how it goes."
Who were the heroes of this unforgettable Test? There were plenty. Innocent Kaia stood tallest with a career-best 140, an innings that laid the foundation for Zimbabwe's dominance. Brian Bennett's fluent 59, Craig Ervine's composed 60, and Wessly Madhevere's unbeaten 77 ensured the hosts never allowed Bangladesh back into the contest. With the ball, Newman Nyamhuri announced himself with six wickets across the match - Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani maintained relentless pressure, while Brad Evans chipped in with timely breakthroughs. For Bangladesh, Mominul Haque's first-innings 60 and Taijul Islam's magnificent seven-wicket haul were bright individual performances, but cricket, as always, remains a team game. Zimbabwe simply won more sessions, built more partnerships and seized every key moment. Their discipline never wavered. Their belief never faded.
So, how will this one-off Test be remembered? As Zimbabwe's statement victory. A triumph built on relentless fast bowling, resilient batting and complete control over three fascinating days in Harare. They recovered brilliantly after bowling first, erased Bangladesh's total before the end of Day 1, built a massive 270-run first-innings lead through Kaia's unforgettable 140, and then finished the job emphatically despite Bangladesh showing greater resistance in the second innings. Bangladesh will leave with lessons to ponder, especially after managing just one fifty-plus partnership in each innings. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, leave with smiles, confidence, and a memorable innings-and-85-run victory. Test cricket once again reminded us that patience builds pressure, pressure creates opportunities, and opportunities win matches.
And now comes the moment every team dreams about. Who gets the final smile? Richard Ngarava and Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe skipper walks up to collect the winner's trophy, wearing a grin that says it all after three days of relentless cricket. He raises the silverware to a roaring round of applause before making his way back to his teammates and support staff. Everyone gathers behind the winner's board. Arms around each other. Smiles everywhere. The trophy is lifted high into the Harare sky as cameras flash from every corner of the ground. One final cheer echoes around the venue. A fitting celebration for a side that dominated almost every session of this one-off Test. It is not just a trophy. It is a reward for discipline, resilience and teamwork, with Zimbabwe signing off in style after a memorable innings-and-85-run triumph.
But the tour is far from over. What's next? White-ball cricket takes centre stage. The focus now shifts from the patience of the red ball to the excitement of the 50-over format as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh gear up for a three-match ODI series. The opening encounter will be played on Monday, 6th July, at the Harare Sports Club, with the first ball scheduled for 1 PM IST (9:30 AM LOCAL TIME). Bangladesh will be eager to wipe away the disappointment of this heavy Test defeat and begin afresh, while Zimbabwe will look to carry this winning momentum into the limited-overs leg of the tour. A new format. Fresh challenges. Another chapter waiting to be written.
Until then, thank you for joining us throughout this enthralling Test match. We'll see you again in Harare for the first ODI. I am Dev Rajawat, signing off, along with my co-commentator, Ninaad Dixit, and scorer Yogesh Kumar. That’s it from our side. Thanks for joining. But cricket doesn’t sleep. Plenty is happening around the world. Switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!!!!!
So, how will this one-off Test be remembered? As Zimbabwe's statement victory. A triumph built on relentless fast bowling, resilient batting and complete control over three fascinating days in Harare. They recovered brilliantly after bowling first, erased Bangladesh's total before the end of Day 1, built a massive 270-run first-innings lead through Kaia's unforgettable 140, and then finished the job emphatically despite Bangladesh showing greater resistance in the second innings. Bangladesh will leave with lessons to ponder, especially after managing just one fifty-plus partnership in each innings. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, leave with smiles, confidence, and a memorable innings-and-85-run victory. Test cricket once again reminded us that patience builds pressure, pressure creates opportunities, and opportunities win matches.
And now comes the moment every team dreams about. Who gets the final smile? Richard Ngarava and Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe skipper walks up to collect the winner's trophy, wearing a grin that says it all after three days of relentless cricket. He raises the silverware to a roaring round of applause before making his way back to his teammates and support staff. Everyone gathers behind the winner's board. Arms around each other. Smiles everywhere. The trophy is lifted high into the Harare sky as cameras flash from every corner of the ground. One final cheer echoes around the venue. A fitting celebration for a side that dominated almost every session of this one-off Test. It is not just a trophy. It is a reward for discipline, resilience and teamwork, with Zimbabwe signing off in style after a memorable innings-and-85-run triumph.
But the tour is far from over. What's next? White-ball cricket takes centre stage. The focus now shifts from the patience of the red ball to the excitement of the 50-over format as Zimbabwe and Bangladesh gear up for a three-match ODI series. The opening encounter will be played on Monday, 6th July, at the Harare Sports Club, with the first ball scheduled for 1 PM IST (9:30 AM LOCAL TIME). Bangladesh will be eager to wipe away the disappointment of this heavy Test defeat and begin afresh, while Zimbabwe will look to carry this winning momentum into the limited-overs leg of the tour. A new format. Fresh challenges. Another chapter waiting to be written.
Until then, thank you for joining us throughout this enthralling Test match. We'll see you again in Harare for the first ODI. I am Dev Rajawat, signing off, along with my co-commentator, Ninaad Dixit, and scorer Yogesh Kumar. That’s it from our side. Thanks for joining. But cricket doesn’t sleep. Plenty is happening around the world. Switch tabs, follow the fun. Goodbye from this tab! TAKE CARE! BREATHE AND SMILE! CIAO!!!!!