Zimbabwe pulled off a sensational three-wicket victory over Bangladesh, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series and scripting their first win against Bangladesh in the longest format since 2018.
The remarkable result also ended a four-year Test drought for Zimbabwe, whose last red-ball triumph came against Afghanistan in March 2021.
The historic win unfolded in Sylhet, the same venue where Zimbabwe last defeated Bangladesh. Chasing a modest target of 174 on a tricky surface, Zimbabwe began confidently with a 95-run opening stand between Ben Curran and Brian Bennett. But a flurry of wickets in the middle, spurred by Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s relentless five-wicket burst, brought Bangladesh back into the game. Despite the tension, Zimbabwe kept their nerve and edged home in the final session.
The match had been tightly contested from Day 1. Bangladesh, winning the toss, opted to bat first but were rattled early by Zimbabwe’s pace attack. Both openers were dismissed within the first 10 overs. A brief resistance from Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque helped Bangladesh recover, but three wickets each from Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza dismantled the middle and lower order. Bangladesh folded for 191.
Zimbabwe responded with a composed batting effort. Brian Bennett smashed a quick 57, while veteran Sean Williams crafted a patient 59. Despite Miraz’s five-for and Nahid Rana’s useful three-wicket spell, Zimbabwe posted 273, earning a valuable 82-run lead.
In their second innings, Bangladesh showed resilience. Mominul Haque’s fluent 81 and a fighting 60 from Shanto lifted the hosts to 255. But once again, Zimbabwe’s bowlers shone, led by Muzarabani who took six wickets and tilted the momentum decisively in their favor.
Zimbabwe’s chase was dramatic. After a smooth start, Bangladesh clawed back into the contest, but Zimbabwe’s lower order showed grit under pressure. The win, their first against Bangladesh in seven years, was a massive morale booster.
Zimbabwe and Bangladesh will now head to Chattogram for the second Test, starting April 28. Both teams will be eager to make a statement, but Zimbabwe have already laid down a powerful marker in this rare and memorable victory over Bangladesh.