Bangladesh's red-ball return turned sour as Zimbabwe seized full control on the opening day of the first Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. After being bundled out for just 191 in 61 overs, the hosts failed to take a single wicket in the final session allowing Zimbabwe to reach 67 without loss.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first but the decision became nightmare as the top order wobbled early, with both openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy (14) and Shadman Islam (12) falling cheaply in the first session. A brief period of resistance came through Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque, who added 66 runs for the third wicket, offering some hope of a strong foundation. But once that partnership was broken, the innings spiraled rapidly. Shanto made 40, while Mominul top-scored with a patient 56 off 105 balls picking up his 21st Test fifty.
Senior batters Mushfiqur Rahim (4), Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1) and Taijul Islam (3) all failed to reach double figures. Only a late attempt to steady the innings by debutant Zaker Ali Anik (28) and tail-ender Hasan Mahmud (19) managed to take Bangladesh to 191 before being wrapped up.
Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza led the way with three wickets apiece, while Victor Nyauchi and Wesley Madhevere picked up two each. Zimbabwe's bowlers maintained control throughout applying relentless pressure and capitalizing on Bangladesh's indecisiveness.
In reply, Zimbabwe's opening duo made light work of the home attack. Brian Bennett launched a blistering counterattack racing to an unbeaten 40 off just 37 balls, while Ben Curran provided the perfect foil with a steady 17 off 49 as the visitors are trailing by only 124 runs with all ten wickets in hand.
The Bangladeshi pacers appeared ineffective in the final hour of play, yet captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto introduced spin surprisingly late, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowling only three overs. On the second morning, the bowlers will face a daunting challenge as they must strike early and take as many wickets as possible to restrict Zimbabwe to a low total and keep Bangladesh in the contest.
