Fans react as Ben Curran, Richard Ngarava propel Zimbabwe to an innings, 73-run win over Afghanistan in one-off Test
Zimbabwe produces an impressive performance to crush Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test at Harare Sports Club, recording their first home Test victory in over a decade. From the opening session of day one to the final wicket of day three, the hosts were in complete control, combining disciplined bowling and composed batting to ensure a memorable triumph.
Brad Evans sets the tone with fiery five-wicket haul
The match began with the Zimbabwe leaders spitting fire on a lively Harare surface. Brad Evans led the charge with a career-best 5/22 as Afghanistan collapsed to 127 in their first innings. His relentless precision and movements in the air exposed the lack of preparation of the visitors’ red ball. None of the Afghan batters managed to convert their starts, with only Ibrahim Zadran showing some resistance before falling to 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, ensuring their team maintained the early lead.
Ben Curran’s classy century anchors Zimbabwe’s dominance
In response, Zimbabwe’s batting team showed courage and maturity, headlined by a magnificent maiden Test century from Ben Curran. The left-hander, who looked compact and composed throughout, scored a fluent score of 121 which formed the backbone of Zimbabwe’s total of 359.
Curran’s knock was a mix of patience and precision as he punished loose deliveries while negotiating the Afghan spinners with soft hands. Crucial Captain Contributions Craig Ervine and wicketkeeper Clive Madande allowed the hosts to build a healthy lead of 232 runs in the first innings. Despite some spirited spells from the Afghan bowlers, including a brief fightback from Fazalhaq Farooqi, Zimbabwe never relinquished control.
Richard Ngarava’s first five-for seals victory
If Brad Evans dismantled Afghanistan’s first innings, it was Richard Ship who took control in the second. The left-arm pacer bowled with exceptional pace and accuracy, taking his maiden five-wicket win (5/37) in Test cricket. His ability to extract movement outside the field and target the stumps relentlessly proved too difficult for Afghanistan, who were bowled out for just 159.
Ibrahim Zadran once again he was the best of the Afghan batters with a fluent 42, but his dismissal triggered a collapse. Starting at 85/3, Afghanistan lost their last seven wickets for just 74 runs, ending any hopes of a fightback. Zimbabwe cruised to victory in eight sessions β a testament to their clinical execution in all departments.
READ ALSO: ZIM vs AFG: Fans erupt as Ben Curran lights up Harare with maiden Test century
Here’s how fans reacted:
Huge victory! π
Zimbabwe win by an innings and 73 runs in the one-off Test against Afghanistan.
Match details π https://t.co/93lIGK8eEo#ZIMvAFG #ExperienceZimbabwe pic.twitter.com/jSplsI9ufm
β Zimbabwe Cricket (@ZimCricketv) October 22, 2025
A disappointing result for #AfghanAtalan as they failed by an innings and 73 runs in the solitary test match against Zimbabwe.
The T20I series begins next week, with the first match scheduled for Wednesday, October 29 in Harare. π#ZIMvAFG |β¦ pic.twitter.com/L35aQrvq69
β Afghanistan Cricket Board (@ACBofficials) October 22, 2025
The rafters made us proud π π₯πΏπΌ
Special mention to Ben Curran for his century, Evans and Ngarava for their 5-fors and to the rest of the team for their excellent performance.#ZIMvAFG #Herringbone pic.twitter.com/37gsun0lmOβ Being a Christian Pheno (@munacips) October 22, 2025
I’ve seen enough, give us a 5 match Test series with the Australian! Place? You decide#ZIMvAFG
β ChiSikandar Razaξ¨ (@drjhmapfumo) October 22, 2025
Zimbabwe beat Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs, their first innings victory in 24 years (the third in their history) and their biggest ever victory in Test cricket. Led by five first wicket hauls from Brad Evans and Richard Ngarava and a maiden century from Ben Curran. Tremendous #ZIMvAFG
β David Ingram (@DavidIngram90) October 22, 2025
The Afghans totally humiliated by Zimbabweβ¦. #ZimvAfg
β An Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) October 22, 2025
We prayed for times like these, we won by a round#ZIMvAFG
β #Visit Vic Falls (@coytin_nelo) October 22, 2025
π¨A HISTORIC DAY FOR ZIMBABWEπ¨
β Zimbabwe won a home test match after 12 years. π pic.twitter.com/aBBUU9lWpn
β Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 22, 2025
Absolute team effort from Zimbabwe πΏπΌ
Batsmen, bowlers, fielders β all there. Captain as sharp as ever. And let’s not forget the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep the wheels turning. Simply awesome!The most comprehensive display in a while. Proud of the boys! π₯πͺ #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/f7lJ6wvui8
β Elton Phiri (@elton_phiri) October 22, 2025
The Chevrons seal a DOMINANT round and a 73-run victory against Afghanistan! π¦ This is a historic moment for Zimbabwe Cricket β it is only their third innings victory in Test history and the biggest victory of all time. ππ #Cricket #Zimbabwe #ZIMvAFG #History π
β Godwin Mamhiyo (@GodwinMamhiyo) October 22, 2025
Congratulations to Zimbabwe on their well-deserved victory over AFGHANISTAN. It’s quite disappointing to see how the Afghan players played the game. It’s time to take test cricket seriously and think about improvement as soon as possible. #ZIMvAFG
β Shukrullah Adnan (@AFGHAN1560) October 22, 2025
Zimbabwe records first innings victory in over 24 years πΏπΌ#ZIMvAFG #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/7jv7BswQiO
β Asad Khan Waiz No π΅π°β€οΈ (@akwaafficial44) October 22, 2025
Congratulations to Chevrons on winning the Test, that’s how we should be playing. A good, well-balanced team performance. Let’s build on this #ZIMvAFG pic.twitter.com/UYH83TFd2Z
β Roma (@iniroms) October 22, 2025
Climb the Chevrons πππ«‘π«‘πππ―π―π―#ZIMvAFG #ExperienceZimbabwe
-Eazy E π (@_Elgine_21) October 22, 2025
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