Zimbabwe scripted a memorable victory in Sylhet, defeating Bangladesh by three wickets on the fourth day of the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. This win marks Zimbabwe’s fifth overseas Test triumph and their highest successful fourth-innings chase in history. It also ends a run of 11 Tests without a win, with each of their last three victories now coming on foreign soil.
The standout performer was Blessing Muzarabani, whose nine-wicket haul (3-50 & 6-72) dismantled Bangladesh across both innings. His efforts not only earned him the best match figures by a Zimbabwean in Bangladesh but also saw him equal Heath Streak’s record as the fastest Zimbabwean to reach 50 Test wickets.
Zimbabwe chased down the target of 174 despite a dramatic collapse late in the innings, triggered by Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Mehidy claimed his second five-for of the match (5-52 & 5-50), reached the milestone of 200 Test wickets, and registered a ten-wicket match haul. However, it was not enough, as Wessly Madhevere (unbeaten) and Richard Ngarava held their nerve to guide Zimbabwe to the historic win. Madhevere sealed the match with a reverse-swept boundary off Mehidy.
Earlier, Zimbabwe had taken a 82-run lead in the first innings, courtesy of half-centuries from Sean Williams and Brian Bennett. In reply, Bangladesh managed 255 in their second innings, with Muzarabani leading another spirited Zimbabwe bowling performance.
Zimbabwe’s chase began with a solid 95-run opening stand between Ben Curran and Brian Bennett, but a flurry of wickets saw them reduced to 145 for 6. Wellington Masakadza’s attacking cameo and the calm finish by Madhevere and Ngarava ensured Zimbabwe’s resilience was rewarded.
This result will be remembered for the grit shown by the Zimbabweans, with Muzarabani’s exceptional bowling headlining one of their greatest Test wins.
