- May 25, 2025
ENG vs ZIM (Four-day Test) – Highlights
In a commanding display at the Trent Bridge, Nottingham, England sealed a comprehensive innings and 45-run victory over Zimbabwe in the only Test of the series, played from May 22 to 24, 2025. The hosts’ overwhelming dominance was underpinned by an imposing batting performance and a sensational bowling effort led by Shoaib Bashir, who was deservedly named Player of the Match.
England’s innings was anchored by prolific performances from key top-order batsmen. Zak Crawley laid a strong foundation with a well-paced 124 runs off 171 balls before falling lbw to Sikandar Raza. Ben Duckett followed suit with a commanding 140, showcasing an aggressive approach with 20 boundaries and 2 sixes, ensuring a brisk scoring rate exceeding 100. Ollie Pope then rose to the occasion with a sublime 171 runs off 166 deliveries, anchoring the innings with poise and elegance.
Captain Ben Stokes, despite a modest personal score of 9, provided leadership and tactical acumen. Other contributors included Harry Brook, who scored a quickfire 58, and Joe Root, who added a valuable 34 runs. Extras added 25 to the total, reflecting disciplined bowling but also some loose deliveries from Zimbabwe. England declared at a mammoth 565/6, putting immense pressure on Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe’s response in their first innings exposed frailties against England’s incisive bowling attack. Brian Bennett was a lone warrior, crafting a gritty 139 runs that stood out amidst a generally poor team performance. Apart from him, the batting order struggled to gain momentum. Craig Ervine managed 42 runs, while Sean Williams contributed 25, but none of the other batsmen could build partnerships.
Blessing Muzarabani, Wessly Madhevere, Sikandar Raza, and Tafadzwa Tsiga fell cheaply, allowing England to capitalize. Zimbabwe were bowled out for 265, trailing by 300 runs and forced to follow on. Shoaib Bashir’s extraordinary bowling figures – 3/62 in the first innings and a devastating 6/81 in the second – proved pivotal. His relentless accuracy and ability to extract movement kept Zimbabwe’s batsmen on edge throughout. Bashir’s 9-wicket haul in the match showcased his maturity and skill, dismantling Zimbabwe’s line-up repeatedly.
Ben Stokes also made valuable contributions with the ball, claiming 2 wickets in the first innings and another in the second, supplementing Bashir’s efforts. Following on, Zimbabwe once again faltered under England’s pressure. Despite Sean Williams playing a commendable knock of 88 runs, the team could not avoid a heavy defeat. Sikandar Raza and Wessly Madhevere offered brief resistance with 60 and 31 runs respectively, but it wasn’t enough.
Bashir returned to wreak havoc, taking six wickets and wrapping up the innings for 255 runs. Zimbabwe’s overall batting frailties were exposed yet again, sealing England’s innings and 45-run win. England’s dominance across all facets of the game highlighted their superiority in home conditions. The blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talent like Bashir bodes well for England’s future Test ambitions. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe will be left to regroup and address their batting vulnerabilities as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
England vs Zimbabwe Scoreboard
England – 565/6 (96.3) d
Zimbabwe (1st innings) – 265/10 (63.2)
Zimbabwe (2nd innings) – 255/10 (59.0)
Result – England won by an innings and 45 runs
Player of the match – Shoaib Bashir
Shoaib Bashir
ENG vs ZIM Playing XIs
England | Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Josh Tongue, Jamie Smith, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Shoaib Bashir, Gus Atkinson, Joe Root, Samuel James Cook, Ben Duckett |
Zimbabwe | Craig Ervine, Blessing Muzarabani, Wessly Madhevere, Sean Williams, Tanaka Chivanga, Ben Curran, Tafadzwa Tsiga, Brian Bennett, Sikandar Raza, Richard Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi |
Disclaimer: These Match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.
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