Bashir leads England to innings victory over Zimbabwe

ASHLEY DUBE

England 565 for 6 dec (Pope 171, Duckett 140, Crawley 124) beat Zimbabwe 265 (Bennett 139) and 255 (Williams 88, Raza 60, Bashir 6-81) by an innings and 45 runs

England secured a victory over Zimbabwe in the historic one-off Test, but the match will be remembered more for the resilience and fighting spirit displayed by the Chevrons in their first Test in England in 22 years. A strong Zimbabwean expat crowd filled Trent Bridge with lively noise and unwavering support, witnessing a brave batting performance that offered promise for the future.

Shoaib Bashir [Image: England Cricket]

While England ultimately won, the magnitude of the defeat could not dampen the spirits of the Zimbabwean team and their devoted fans, who stayed to applaud their team in a heartfelt lap of gratitude. 

Sean Williams, Ben Curran, Sikandar Raza, and Wessly Madhevere all showcased their talent and determination, reminding the world of Zimbabwe's cricketing pedigree.

Williams fell agonizingly short of a century, crafting a magnificent 88 and forming a 122-run partnership for the second wicket. Raza notched a resilient half-century, sharing a 65-run stand with Madhevere. 

Zimbabwe proved they were not to be underestimated, coming within 45 runs of forcing England to bat again. This performance provides a solid foundation as the team prepare to host crucial Tests against South Africa, New Zealand, and Afghanistan later this year.

Zimbabwe began the day on 30 for 2, needing a herculean effort. Williams, a seasoned international veteran averaging 66.56 in the last five years, rose to the occasion. His typically dynamic innings, filled with elegant boundaries, kept the Zimbabwean hopes alive. 

He expertly guided Curran through a gritty innings of 37 runs from 104 balls.

Stokes, despite his efforts, found the Zimbabwean resilience difficult to break early on. While he created chances, including a dropped catch off Curran, Williams punished any loose deliveries, showcasing his class with powerful drives through the covers and mid-wicket.

Williams reached his fifty with a delightful straight drive off Tongue, off just 42 balls. 

Even after being struck and drawing blood from his forearm by a rising delivery from Tongue, Williams remained unfazed, exemplifying the Zimbabwean grit and determination by smashing another boundary off Atkinson. 

Williams was dismissed by Bashir, attempting his signature sweep shot. Ben Curran followed soon after lunch caught by Stokes off Bashir. 

Sikandar Raza and Wessly Madhevere stitched up a fifty plus stand and looking good to wipe out the deficit. It took an outstanding catch by Harry Brooks at second slip to dismiss Madhevere. 

From there on the hosts wrapped out the innings fairly quickly with the 10 men Chevrons bowled out for 255.