Zimbabwe repeat 2018 heroics with thrilling Test win in Sylhet

Zimbabwe sealed a historic win against Bangladesh, marking their first Test victory over the Tigers since 2018 - coincidentally at the same venue in Sylhet. The win also marks Zimbabwe's first Test win in over four years, with the last one coming against Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi in March 2021.

The chase was Zimbabwe’s highest successful fourth-innings effort – surpassing 162 against Pakistan in 1998 – and marked just their fifth Test win away from home.

In a tense final innings chasing 174, Zimbabwe stuttered in the middle after a 95-run opening wicket stand but successfully chased down the target to secure a 1-0 lead in the series.

On Day 1, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first, but Zimbabwe’s bowlers quickly put them under pressure by removing both openers within the first 10 overs. A 66-run third-wicket stand between skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque provided some resistance and turned out to be the highest partnership of the innings.

However, the rest of the batting lineup crumbled, thanks to impressive three-wicket hauls from Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza, along with two wickets each for Victor Nyauchi and Wessly Madhevere. As a result, Bangladesh were bowled out for a modest total of 191.

Zimbabwe’s batters carried the momentum forward, putting Bangladesh under pressure with a solid display. Brian Bennett led the charge with a quickfire 57 off 64 balls, while veteran Sean Williams anchored the innings with a well-crafted 59 off 108 deliveries.

Despite a five-wicket haul from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and a three-wicket effort from Nahid Rana, Zimbabwe managed to post a total of 273. Though not massive, it was enough to secure a healthy 82-run lead at the end of the first innings.

Despite an early wicket in their second innings, Bangladesh began strongly with the bat. Mominul Haque and Mahmudul Hasan Joy put together a solid 60-run stand for the first wicket, followed by a 65-run partnership between Haque and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto.

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Shanto played a composed knock of 60 off 105 balls, while Jaker Ali contributed a steady 58 off 111. Just as Zimbabwe seemed to be slipping, their bowlers turned the tide, taking the last five Bangladesh wickets for just 61 runs. Blessing Muzarabani was the standout performer, claiming a brilliant six-wicket haul as Bangladesh were bundled out for 255.

Zimbabwe looked to be cruising towards victory with a strong start in the chase, with openers Ben Curran and Brian Bennett piling up 95 runs before losing their first. However, Bangladesh clawed their way back into the contest, thanks to Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s five-wicket haul once again that turned the game in the hosts' favour.

Despite the pressure and a few nervy moments, Zimbabwe held their breath to edge past the finish line, sealing a thrilling three-wicket win. It marked their first Test victory over Bangladesh in seven years and the first in over four years against any side for Zimbabwe.

The two sides are set to face off again in Chattogram, with the second Test beginning on April 28.