Online Reporter
RECORDS tumbled as Zimbabwe powered to their biggest win in Test cricket at Harare Sports Club yesterday after crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 85 runs.
The relentless Chevrons completed the demolition job on the third day as they celebrated their biggest win since being granted Test status in 1992.
It also marked the first time Zimbabwe have won back-to-back Tests by an innings.
In their last Test, in October last year, the Chevrons thrashed Afghanistan by an innings and 73 runs at the same venue.
After conceding a first-innings lead of 270, Bangladesh collapsed once again and were all out for 185 in the second innings, with Blessing Muzarabani picking up 4 for 65.
Bangladesh started the day on 40 for 1, but were soon reduced to 46 for 3, as Muzarabani dismissed the overnight batters, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque, inside the first four overs of the day. Bowling predominantly short of good length, he kept the duo on the back foot before snaring them with fuller deliveries.
The last time Zimbabwe won back-to-back Tests was back in April 2001, when they coincidentally whitewashed Bangladesh in a two-match series.
Overall, this is only the third time Zimbabwe have won back-to-back Tests, having also defeated India and Pakistan in successive matches in 1998.
Richard Ngarava became only the third Zimbabwean captain to win his first Test match as captain.
“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 said.
On having a bigger pool to pick players from, Ngarava said:
“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.
“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.”
Focus now switches to the ODIs.
“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.”
Innocent Kaia, who struck a superb century, was named Player of the Match.
“To be honest, first things first, I just want to thank God to be here and giving me this opportunity to represent my country again,” he said.
“Scoring your maiden Test century at home, it always feels so good and can’t believe it, still sinking in but it’s a good feeling.
“It was a tough wicket to play on. Credit to Bangladesh bowlers, I think they bowled well.
“But, it was my game, I just want to thank God that I managed to put runs for the team.”
He also talked about those who have helped him on his journey back into the side.
“They’re always close to my heart and close to myself. I always keep them and I love them.
“I can only control my working processes, outcome I don’t know but I promise good runs.
“Just quite simple, putting in the hard work and just thinking about my game, eating right and staying fit.”
Brief Scores
Bangladesh 140 and 185
Zimbabwe 410
– cricinfo/cricbuzz/Sports Reporter
