England crush Zimbabwe by an innings in lone test – Bashir shines with career best
“In the only Test match, Ben Stokes’ side claimed victory by an innings and 45 runs.”
Shoaib Bashir was England’s standout performer in both innings — starting strong and finishing even stronger. The young off-spinner tore through Zimbabwe’s batting line-up in the second innings, backing up a dominant all-round performance that saw England coast to a huge, expected win.
The match, held at Trent Bridge, wrapped up inside three days. “On Saturday, Ben Stokes’ team defeated Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs.”
England piled on the pressure right from the start. Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, and Ollie Pope all scored centuries as the hosts declared at 565/6 in their first innings. Zimbabwe replied with 265, following which they were asked to follow on. The second innings saw Zimbabwe fall for 255 — handing England a commanding win.
“The star of England’s victory was 21-year-old Bashir.” He took 3 wickets in the first innings but came alive in the second, claiming 6 wickets for 81 runs. His match-winning performance rightly earned him the Player of the Match award.
This is now Bashir’s career-best bowling performance in Tests. His previous best — 5 for 41 — also came at this ground last year against the West Indies.
Zimbabwe resumed Day 3 on 30 for 2 and could’ve lost a wicket early, but Stokes dropped a return catch off Ben Curran. After that reprieve on 10, Curran played cautiously alongside his brother Tom.
At the other end, Sean Williams counter-attacked brilliantly, hitting a 50 off just 42 balls with 10 boundaries.
Williams and Curran stitched together a 122-run stand that looked threatening until Bashir trapped Williams lbw for 88 (16 fours, 82 balls). Even a review couldn’t save him.
Soon after, Bashir removed Ben Curran as well — caught for 37 off a tame shot to cover.
Sikandar Raza and Wessly Madhevere then tried to resurrect the innings, scoring freely and adding 65 together. But Stokes broke the stand with a stunning catch by Harry Brook in the slips to dismiss Madhevere for 31 (4 boundaries). Even the bowler was shocked by the grab, holding his head in disbelief.
After that, it was the Bashir show. He ripped through the tail, dismissing Raza for a well-made 60 (10 fours off 68 balls). Injured Richard Ngarava did not bat, and Zimbabwe folded.
England used this Test to gear up for their upcoming five-match series against India. Based on this performance, they’re in fine shape. The first Test begins June 20 at Headingley.
