Despite Mehidy Hasan Miraz's heroic ten-wicket haul, Bangladesh slumped to a disappointing three-wicket defeat against Zimbabwe in the first Test of the two-match series at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. This marks Zimbabwe's first win over Bangladesh in nearly seven years as their last coming in November 2018 under Hamilton Masakadza's leadership.
Set a modest target of 174 runs, Zimbabwe chased it down with remarkable grit after a thankful solid opening partnership and timely resilience down the order. Bangladesh bowlers, led by Mehidy Miraz's brilliance, fought till the end but failed to defend the total on a rain-interrupted fourth day.
Earlier, Bangladesh resumed the fourth day at 194 for four, already leading by 112 runs but under pressure. Rain once again delayed the start of the day's play and the Tigers struggled from the onset. Skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto had anchored the innings with a composed 60 off 105 balls, fell early in the morning triggering a familiar collapse. Apart from Zaker Ali's patient 58 off 111 balls, there was little resistance. Hasan Mahmud hung around for 12 off 58 but the lower order crumbled. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 255 setting Zimbabwe a target of 174.
Blessing Muzarabani hauled six wickets for Zimbabwe as Wellington Masakadza supported him nicely claiming two.
Zimbabwe began their chase confidently with a 95-run opening stand. Brian Bennett played fluently for his 54 off 81 balls, while Ben Curran supported well with 44 off 75 deliveries. Once the opening pair was broken, Bangladesh sniffed a chance as wickets began to tumble. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, already the standout performer, spun a web around the middle order, finishing with figures of 5 for 50, which is his second five-for in the match and the 12th of his career.
Miraz also became only the third Bangladeshi bowler to reach 200 Test wickets, joining an elite club alongside Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam. This was also his third ten-wicket haul in a Test match. Taijul picked up the remaining two wickets as Bangladesh pushed the contest deep.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 191 runs in the first innings ridding on the bat of Mominul (56) and Mominul (40). Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza led the way with three wickets apiece, while Victor Nyauchi and Wesley Madhevere picked up two each.
Zimbabwe conversely, took control with a reply of 273 to secure an 82-run lead after Brian Bennett's 57, 59 runs came from the bat of Sean Williams followed by good contributions from Nyasha Mayavo (35), Richard Ngarava (28) and Mujarabani (17). Mehidy Hasan Miraz hauled five wickets for 52 runs and speedster Nahid Rana impressed with three wickets.
Zimbabwe's previous highest chase in a Test was 162 against Pakistan in 1998. They rewrote history by reaching the target of 174 runs in 50.1 overs. It was also Zimbabwe's first Test victory in four years after a victory against Afghanistan in 2021. Since then, they had lost eight and drawn two of their previous ten Tests.
