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Welch, Williams set up promising start before Bangladesh hit back

Fine half-centuries from Nick Welch and Sean Williams put Zimbabwe in a strong position at 161 for two at tea on the opening day of the second Test against Bangladesh in Chattogram on Monday.

 

However, a combination of misfortune and some inspired bowling saw them finish the day on 227 for nine.

After winning the toss and choosing to bat, Zimbabwe made a steady start.

Brian Bennett played positively while Ben Curran anchored the innings, with the pair putting on 41 for the first wicket.

Both fell for 21, with Bennett departing first to bring in Welch.

Curran was dismissed with the score on 72, paving the way for a key partnership between Welch and Williams.

The duo batted with great composure and skill throughout the afternoon, navigating the Bangladesh attack to take Zimbabwe into a strong position at the tea break.

Shortly after the interval, though, Zimbabwe suffered an unfortunate blow when Welch, on 54, had to retire hurt due to cramps in his hands.

The disruption to the batting order coincided with Bangladesh tightening their lines, and wickets began to fall.

Craig Ervine edged behind for five and, shortly afterward, Williams was caught attempting a paddle sweep after a fine innings of 67.

Both wickets fell to the off-spinner Nayeem Hasan, whose clever variations troubled the middle order.

Even after reaching 200 with four wickets down, Zimbabwe faced a renewed challenge as Taijul Islam struck with a brilliant spell of left-arm spin.

He accounted for Wessly Madhevere (15) before claiming two wickets in two balls, removing Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava to dent Zimbabwe’s progress further.

Tafadzwa Tsiga showed resilience in the lower order, but lost Vincent Masekesa to a run-out.

Welch, having returned after his earlier injury, was unable to rebuild and was bowled by Taijul for 54, ending a courageous innings that had spanned 133 deliveries and included two sixes and three fours.

By stumps, Zimbabwe were 227 for nine, with Tsiga unbeaten on 18 and Blessing Muzarabani on two.

 

Zimbabwe – 227-9 in 90 overs (Sean Williams 67, Nick Welch 54, Brian Bennett 21; Taijul Islam 5/60, Nayeem Hasan 2/42, Tanzim Hasan Sakib 1/49)  

Bangladesh

Day 1 – Stumps

“Muri Mwari” by Tatenda Mahachi – A Call to Surrender and Divine Trust 

Award-winning gospel artist Tatenda Mahachi has unveiled his latest single, “Muri Mwari,” a worship song that invites believers into deeper surrender to the Holy Spirit.

 

The track, which serves as both a prayer and a proclamation, encourages listeners to embrace God’s will with unwavering faith.

Mahachi describes “Muri Mwari” as a personal testament to the peace found in yielding to divine guidance.

“This song came from my own journey of learning to trust God beyond my understanding,” he shares.

“In a world filled with uncertainty, ‘Muri Mwari’ is a reminder that true freedom begins when we let the Holy Spirit lead—every step, every struggle, every victory.”

Rooted in contemporary gospel with rich African choral influences, “Muri Mwari” combines soaring vocals, dynamic percussion and stirring harmonies.

Produced with a blend of organic instrumentation and modern worship elements, the track creates an atmosphere of both intimacy and celebration.

Its crescendoing arrangement mirrors the song’s message: a rising faith in God’s sovereignty.

In an era where anxiety and division often dominate headlines, “Muri Mwari” offers a counter-narrative of hope and spiritual anchoring.

Designed for congregational worship and personal devotion alike, the song’s lyrics—”Mweya Mutsvene, Muri Mwari, itai sezvamunoda”—reaffirm the believer’s identity in Christ.

Watch ‘Muri Mwari’ video below

Castle Tankard Turns 65: A Grand Racing Legacy Meets Star-Studded Entertainment

Zimbabwe’s premier horse racing event, the Castle Tankard, returns for its 65th edition on Saturday, 10 May 2025, promising a thrilling fusion of sport, culture, and live entertainment at Borrowdale Racecourse.

 

Organised by Delta Beverages in partnership with the Mashonaland Turf Club, the Castle Tankard is Africa’s longest-running sponsored horse race and remains Zimbabwe’s only Grade One racing event.

This year’s race carries a lucrative USD $50,000 purse and will attract top jockeys, trainers, and thoroughbreds from across the region.

The Castle Tankard has evolved into more than just a race; it’s a national celebration and a fixture on Zimbabwe’s social calendar.

Patrons can expect the usual carnival-like atmosphere from 10 AM to 7:30 PM, with braais, ice-cold Castle Lager, and top-notch musical performances creating an unforgettable festival feel.

Oriyano

Headlining the entertainment lineup is sungura legend Alick Macheso, alongside Zimdancehall stars Enzo Ishall, Delroy Shewe, Nisha T, and the ever-popular Chillspot Family.

Notably, rising artist Oriyano will make his Castle Tankard debut, marking a milestone moment in his career as he takes to one of Zimbabwe’s biggest stages for the first time.

Delta Beverages Marketing Director Irimayi Muzorewa said the event will offer “a day of unity, excitement, and world-class racing,” inviting fans of both sport and music to “Come Together with a Castle.”

PinkPantheress Returns in Style with Seductive New Single “Tonight”

Today, sees the return of anti-pop singer and producer, PinkPantheress, as she steps into a fun, sexy and unapologetic new era with their latest single “Tonight”, out now via Warner Records UK

 

Written and produced by PinkPantheress, alongside aksel arvid  and Count Baldor, ‘Tonight’ opens with sweeping cinematic strings before diving into a dancefloor-ready beat.

‘Tonight’ sees PinkPantheress at her most playful and sensual as her honeyed vocals weave through the pulsating bassline, hypnotising and inviting the listener to let go of their inhibitions.

Set in a grand mansion, the Charlotte Rutherford-directed video openswith guests eagerly rushing inside, slipping into a refined ballroom routine.

PinkPantheress and her friends soon arrive to disrupt the order, performing a routine that acts as a contrast to the rigid formality of the ballroom.

Their energy spreads, unraveling the party as once-poised guests embrace rebellion. As the night unfolds, the lines between restraint and release blur, and the mansion becomes a playground of uninhibited sensuality and expression.

Speaking about the new single, PinkPantheress says: “I’m so excited to finally bring out the first single of my new project, i hope everyone has as much fun listening to it as i do”

PinkPantheress is a multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and producer. On an upward trajectory since 2021, PinkPantheress introspective lyrics, and ability to create infectious beats have garnered her a dedicated fan base.

Since stepping onto the scene, she has graced the covers of i-DThe Face, and Rolling Stone UK, while also starring in campaigns for Marc Jacobs Heaven, Starface, Bose, and Apple.

Most recently, she was honoured in Forbes‘ 30 Under 30 list and crowned Producer of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards. With each achievement, PinkPantheress continues to mesmerise and dominate, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Chibuku Neshamwari 2025: Zimbabwe’s Biggest Traditional Dance Festival Returns with a Cultural Bang

The iconic Chibuku Neshamwari Traditional Dance Festival makes its grand return for 2025, celebrating over six decades of rich cultural heritage and traditional dance.

 

Running from May 10 to July 19, the festival will tour ten provinces in a spirited build-up to the national finals, bringing communities together through the timeless power of dance.

This year’s theme, “Ngoma Ngairire Shamwari, Tshay’ sgubhu Mngane,” which loosely translates to “Let the Drum Sound, Friend,” underscores the call to unity and cultural pride through the beat of traditional music.

Organised in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) and the Zimbabwe National Traditional Dance Association (ZNTDA), the festival has become a cornerstone of national identity, offering a stage for local dance groups to showcase their talent and preserve Zimbabwe’s cultural legacy.

Each provincial final will not only offer audiences a vibrant cultural experience but also reward the top three teams with cash prizes—US$2,500 for first place, US$1,500 for second, and US$1,000 for third.

The excitement builds toward the national finals, where champions will compete for the grand prize of US$15,000, with US$10,000 and US$7,500 awarded to the second and third place winners respectively.

Last year, the Mbende Dance from Mashonaland East stole the show and claimed the top national prize, this year’s competitors are expected to bring even more energy, colour, and rhythm to the stage.

Aspiring participants are encouraged to register their dance groups with NACZ and ZNTDA to take part in the festivities.

Here’s a look at the 2025 provincial competition schedule:

  • 10 May – Midlands (Mkoba 4 Beerhall, Gweru)
  • 24 May – Manicaland (Muchina Muhombe Bar, Mutare)
  • 31 May – Matabeleland North (Lwendulu Beerhall, Hwange)
  • 31 May – Mashonaland West (EMM Leisure Sports Bar, Banket)
  • 7 June – Masvingo (Masiza Nengere Bar, Chiredzi)
  • 14 June – Mashonaland East (Padhana Sports Bar, Mutoko)
  • 14 June – Matabeleland South (Malaxo Beerhall, Beitbridge)
  • 21 June – Harare (Hurudza, Mabvuku)
  • 28 June – Bulawayo (Manor Hotel, Bulawayo)
  • 5 July – Mashonaland Central (Tipaz Night Club, Shamva)

The date and location for the national finals will be announced in due course.

BMW to Integrate DeepSeek AI in China-Made Vehicles

BMW has announced that it will begin integrating artificial intelligence technology from Chinese startup DeepSeek into its vehicle models sold in China later this year.

 

The German automaker revealed the collaboration during the Shanghai Auto Show, emphasising its strategy to adopt locally developed technologies to enhance its products.

According to BMW Chairman Oliver Zipse, the partnership with DeepSeek will strengthen BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant by adding new capabilities and expanding access to information.

DeepSeek’s AI is already in use by several major Chinese automakers, including BYD, Geely, and Great Wall, who rely on the technology to power advanced autonomous driving features and in-car intelligence.

This integration with BMW marks the latest example of global automakers turning to Chinese AI firms for scalable, high-performance solutions.

BMW has been increasing its collaborations with Chinese tech firms in recent years.

The company’s local R&D network, which includes facilities in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenyang, has allowed it to develop region-specific technologies and adapt to the Chinese market’s rapidly evolving automotive landscape.

BMW has previously partnered with companies such as Alibaba and Tencent on various AI initiatives, including voice assistants and advanced driver-assistance platforms.

This latest agreement with DeepSeek is part of BMW’s broader effort to integrate more advanced digital features into its vehicles as the global automotive industry moves toward software-defined architectures.

The inclusion of DeepSeek’s technology is expected to support more advanced autonomous driving functions, improve the in-car user interface, and provide additional capabilities for the Intelligent Personal Assistant.

4 Men Charged With Trying to Smuggle Thousands of Ants From Kenya

Two Belgian teenagers who were found with thousands of ants valued at US$9200 and allegedly destined for European and Asian markets will be sentenced in two weeks, a Kenyan magistrate said on Wednesday.

 

Magistrate Njeri Thuku, sitting at the court in Kenya’s main airport, said she would not rush the case but would take time to review environmental impact and psychological reports filed in court before passing sentence on May 7.

Belgian nationals Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, both 19 years old, were arrested on April 5 with 5000 ants at a guest house. They were charged on April 15 with violating wildlife conservation laws.

The teens have told the magistrate that they didn’t know that keeping the ants was illegal and were just having fun.

The Kenya Wildlife Service had said the case represented “a shift in trafficking trends — from iconic large mammals to lesser-known yet ecologically critical species”.

Kenya has in the past fought against the trafficking of body parts of larger wild animals such as elephants, rhinos and pangolins among others.

The Belgian teens had entered the country on a tourist visa and were staying in a guest house in the western town of Naivasha, popular among tourists for its animal parks and lakes.

Their lawyer, Halima Nyakinyua Magairo, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that her clients did not know what they were doing was illegal. She said she hoped the Belgian embassy in Kenya could “support them more in this judicial process”.

In a separate but related case, Kenyan Dennis Ng’ang’a and Vietnamese Duh Hung Nguyen were charged after they were found in possession of 400 ants in their apartment in the capital, Nairobi.

KWS had said all four suspects were involved in trafficking the ants to markets in Europe and Asia, and that the species included messor cephalotes, a distinctive, large and red-coloured harvester ant native to East Africa.

The ants are bought by people who keep them as pets and observe them in their colonies. Several websites in Europe have listed different species of ants for sale at varied prices.

Muzarabani fires Zimbabwe to sensational Test victory

Zimbabwe pulled off a sensational three-wicket win over Bangladesh on the fourth day of the first Test in Sylhet on Wednesday, chasing down a record target to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

 

Pacer Blessing Muzarabani led the way with a career-best performance, taking six for 72 in the second innings and finishing with match figures of nine for 122.

It marked his third consecutive five-wicket haul in Tests – a first for a Zimbabwean fast bowler – and tied Heath Streak’s record as the fastest Zimbabwean to 50 Test wickets.

Rain delayed the start of play by over an hour, but Zimbabwe made quick work of Bangladesh’s lower order, bowling out the hosts for 255 after they resumed on 194 for four.

Muzarabani struck early, removing overnight batter Najmul Hossain Shanto for 60 with a short ball that was skied to deep fine leg, where Victor Nyauchi took a sharp diving catch.

Jaker Ali offered resistance with 58 off 111 balls, adding 35 for the eighth wicket with Hasan Mahmud (12), but Zimbabwe’s bowlers chipped away steadily.

Wellington Masakadza claimed two wickets in two balls to remove Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed, before Muzarabani returned to dismiss Ali and end the innings.

Set 174 to win, Zimbabwe made a flying start as openers Brian Bennett (54) and Ben Curran (44) put on 95 in 21 overs, batting with confidence and intent.

But offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz sparked a collapse, finishing with five for 70.

He removed both openers and later dismissed middle-order mainstays Sean Williams (9) and Craig Ervine (10), as Zimbabwe stumbled to 145 for six.

Wessly Madhevere, playing just his fourth Test, kept his composure under pressure.

He weathered a nervy start and, after Wellington Masakadza fell for 12 with 13 runs still needed, guided the chase with patience and maturity.

A late boundary from Richard Ngarava lifted Zimbabwe closer before Madhevere sealed the win with a reverse sweep for four off Miraz, finishing unbeaten on 19.

The chase surpassed Zimbabwe’s previous highest successful fourth-innings effort – 162 against Pakistan in 1998 – and marked just their fifth overseas Test victory.

The second and final Test against Bangladesh begins next week in Chattogram, with Zimbabwe aiming for a rare series win on foreign soil.

MWOS mark Stadium Reopening in Style With Win Over Dynamos

Debutants MWOS FC christened the newly renovated Ngoni Stadium with a 1-0 victory over traditional giants Dynamos in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Matchday 7 encounter on Easter Monday.

 

The match’s defining moment came in the 52nd minute when Claude Mapoka directed a header past Dynamos’ stranded goalkeeper to send the blue-clad faithful into delirium.

The goal proved enough to secure all three points against the fading powerhouse, cementing MWOS’s fairytale start to their maiden Castle Lager Premier Soccer League campaign.

The victory sees the Norton-based outfit maintain their perfect start to the season, sitting pretty at the summit of the table with an impressive 17 points from their opening seven matches.

Perhaps more significantly, it extended their remarkable home record – the club hasn’t tasted defeat at Ngoni Stadium since 2023 when they were still plying their trade in the Division One League.

In Harare, another debutant Scottland FC played to a 1-1 draw against former champions FC Platinum.

Simba Bhora moved to the second of the log with a crucial away victory at Chicken Inn.

At Baobab Stadium, Ngezi Platinum dropped valuable points to Highlanders in a goalless draw.

The log standing after MatchDay 7

EUNIC Zimbabwe Unveils Lineup for ‘Harmonies of Expression’ Festival

EUNIC Zimbabwe has announced a dynamic lineup of artists participating in “Harmonies of Expression,” a groundbreaking project that brings together Zimbabwean and European creative practitioners to explore the intersection of art, heart, and science.

 

The project culminates in a festival on 10 May 2025 at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe.

“Harmonies of Expression” brings together a diverse array of artistic collaborations, aiming to raise awareness about climate change and inspire action through the power of art.

Some of the artists will be featured include Eveline Gerritsen (Netherlands), a photographer, visual storyteller and creative entrepreneur devoted to inspiring the world by creating stories with a social impact, Kombo Chapfika (Zimbabwe), a Zimbabwean artist whose work examines how contemporary African culture evolves with modernity and technology.

Chapfika blends socio-economic commentary, merging elements of African and Western pop culture, alongside surreal figures and patterns.

Also on the lineup is Alessandra Nicola (Italy) an eco-social entrepreneur, furniture designer and engineer with over 20 years of experience focused on Integrated Waste Management (IWM)

Tichaona Maledadi (Zimbabwe) a craftsman and passionate environmental activist dedicated to combating climate change and environmental degradation. Maledadi’s work includes promoting environmental awareness in schools and collaborating on initiatives focused on sustainable practices.

Other artists include:

  • Chef Cola (Zimbabwe): A pioneering Zimbabwean award-winning vegan chef at the helm of African Vegan on a Budget. Chef Cola aims to spread awareness of vegan culture across Africa and empower people to integrate plant-based eating into their lifestyles.
  • Soukaina (Marie-Laure EDOM) (French Islands): A dancer, choreographer and artistic director from Guadeloupe. Trained in modern, jazz, tap and Afro-Caribbean dance. As the founder of AfriKera Arts Trust, she established a premier training centre in Harare, dedicated to contemporary dance and Afro-fusion techniques.
  • Ellen Rock (Great Britain): A London-based artist, designer and educator whose work bridges fashion, sustainability and community-driven innovation. As the founder of Ellen Rock Studio, she leads social impact projects within the public art space and design and culture.
  • Fabrik Party (Zimbabwe): An art and design community-led initiative founded by Skeyi & Strobo. Fabrik Party is a movement of forward thinkers, taste-makers and visionaries who use art and creative work as a means of self-expression and societal change.
  • DJ Kolorz (Germany): A melodic house and techno DJ/producer. Kolorz aims to merge the sounds of the German house and techno scene with local Zimbabwean artists.
  • Bantu Spaceship (Zimbabwe): A young generation of artists and musical band inspired by the creative explosion of 1980s Zimbabwe. They combine local styles with contemporary Western sounds, creating alternative and experimental movements, translating this golden age into a hybrid style they call «New Jit Wave».
  • Natalia Carrasco Rodriguez (Spain): A Spanish designer and co-founder of her own sustainable brand, focused on upcycling and redefining fashion towards a more responsible future. Carrasco has worked for well established Spanish brands such as Zara, Parfois, Bimba y Lola and Flabelus.
  • Evans Tinashe Mutenga (Zimbabwe): A Zimbabwean artist who studied graphics, drawing, painting, photography and printmaking at the National Gallery of Visual Arts and Design in conjunction with the Harare Polytechnic College. His themes revolve around social life, fashion trends, mythology, politics, climate change and religious beliefs.
  • Cherrie (Sweden): A trailblazing Swedish R&B artist known for her powerful, honest lyrics about identity, love and resilience, inspired by her upbringing in Rinkeby.
  • Nasibo (Zimbabwe): A Zimbabwean multidisciplinary Afro jazz musician renowned for her mastery of the Mbira, seamlessly blending soulful vocals with the instrument.

These artists will collaborate across various disciplines, including fashion, musical performance, food & dance, to create impactful and thought-provoking works that address climate change, with a focus on water resources.

Harmonies of Expression is a project by EUNIC Zimbabwe and National Arts Council of Zimbabwe, Oxfam Zimbabwe, National Association of Community Broadcasters and earGround.

EUNIC – European Union National Institutes for Culture – is Europe’s network of national cultural institutes and organisations, with 39 members from all EU Member States and associate countries.