Bashir takes tally to 9 as England hand Zimbabwe innings defeat

Zimbabwe folded inside three days as expected, yet made England sweat for their innings win in their one-off Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday. In reply to England’s 565-6 declared, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 265 and 255.England won by an innings and 45 runs in a worthy warm-up for India’s five-Test tour starting on June 20. The stark figures don’t do justice to a defiant effort by Zimbabwe.

England plundered 498-3, their highest ever first-day score in a home Test, then declared on the second morning. After Brian Bennett’s brilliant maiden century led Zimbabwe’s fightback on Friday, Sean Williams led the charge on Saturday. It took some luck on video review when Williams was dismissed on 88 from 82 balls. Williams left to great applause just before lunch.

Wickets began falling regularly after lunch. Despite a defiant 68-ball 60 from Sikandar Raza, Zimbabwe lost its last six wickets for 109 runs. Bashir took 6-81, his fourth test five-for, and a career-best match haul of 9-143.

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