A stellar performance by Zimbabwe, led by opener Brian Bennett and paceman Blessing Muzarabani, saw them edge Bangladesh by three wickets in the opening Test in Sylhet, securing their first Test win in four years.
A Strong Start by Zimbabwe's Openers
Zimbabwe’s chase of 174 for victory got off to a solid start with Brian Bennett playing an anchor role. His second half-century of the match (54) set the tone for the tourists, as he shared a 95-run opening stand with Ben Curran (44).
The pair looked in control and appeared to have the match in hand before Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz Shines with a 10-Wicket Match Haul
Mehidy Hasan Miraz delivered a memorable performance, claiming a 10-wicket match haul, including 5-50 in the second innings. His efforts sparked a dramatic collapse for Zimbabwe, as he dismissed both openers and tore through the middle order. Despite his heroics, the Bangladesh team fell short in their pursuit of an unlikely victory.
Miraz’s 5-52 in the first innings meant he ended the match with figures of 10 wickets, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Zimbabwe from reaching their target.
Madhevere’s Calmness Guides Zimbabwe to Victory
With wickets falling around him, Wessly Madhevere showed composure under pressure. Madhevere, who remained unbeaten on 19 from 55 balls in a patient knock, took the initiative when needed, guiding Zimbabwe across the line. He sealed the victory with a reverse-swept boundary off Mehidy, as Zimbabwe reached 174/7, clinching a thrilling three-wicket win.
Blessing Muzarabani's Match-Winning Performance
Blessing Muzarabani was named player of the match for his outstanding bowling. He followed up his 3-50 in the first innings with a brilliant 6-72 in Bangladesh's second innings, turning the tide in Zimbabwe's favor. His exceptional pace and bounce dismantled Bangladesh's middle order, with key wickets including captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Bangladesh's Reckless Collapse
Bangladesh’s chances of defending the target were dashed by a reckless collapse, triggered by a poor shot selection from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. The captain, who had made 60 runs, attempted an ill-advised pull shot to a short ball outside off stump and was dismissed. This dismissal marked the beginning of a series of quick wickets.
Just three overs later, Muzarabani capitalized on Mehidy’s struggles, taking the key wicket of the off-spinner, who had been unable to make an impact in Bangladesh's second innings.
Jaker Ali provided some resistance with a patient half-century (58), but Zimbabwe’s bowlers, particularly Muzarabani, cleaned up the tail. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza played a key role, claiming the wickets of Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed in consecutive deliveries.
The Road Ahead: Eyes on Chattogram
Mark your calendars! The second Test in Chattogram is set to kick off this coming Monday. With Zimbabwe riding high on their first Test victory in four years, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be another thrilling battle. Can Bangladesh bounce back, or will Zimbabwe continue their winning streak?
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