Zimbabwe celebrated a long-awaited Test victory, defeating Bangladesh by three wickets in Sylhet to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The victory marked Zimbabwe’s first Test win in four years, with their last triumph coming against Afghanistan in March 2021.
Chasing a target of 174 runs, Zimbabwe faced a tense finish after losing momentum, slipping from a solid 95-0 to 161-7. However, Wesley Madhevere sealed the win with a boundary, guiding his team across the finish line.
Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe’s bowlers played a pivotal role in setting up the win. Blessing Muzarabani was the standout performer, taking 6 wickets for 72 runs. His remarkable performance included the crucial wicket of Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was dismissed for 60, followed by key wickets of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Jaker Ali, as Bangladesh was bowled out for 255.
Brian Bennett and Ben Curran gave Zimbabwe a strong start in the chase, with Bennett scoring 54 and Curran contributing 44. Despite a late fightback from Mehidy Hasan, who claimed 5 wickets for 50 and finished with match figures of 10-102, Bangladesh’s total was ultimately too low to defend.
This victory puts Zimbabwe in a strong position to secure their first series win since 2011, when they defeated Bangladesh in a one-off Test. They now head into the second Test in Chattogram, set to begin on Monday, 28 April, with the chance to clinch the series. Following this tour, Zimbabwe will travel to England to play a one-off Test match at Trent Bridge starting on 22nd May, marking their first visit to England for a Test series since 2003.
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