Zimbabwe scripted history with their opening Test win over Bangladesh on April 23, marking their first away Test victory in seven years. The Craig Ervine-led side completed a thrilling 3-wicket win on Wednesday, sealing only their fourth away win in the format. Notably, their last away Test win had also come against Bangladesh in 2018.
Aided by bowling brilliance—particularly from Blessing Muzarabani, who picked up nine wickets in the match, including a six-wicket haul in the second innings—Zimbabwe left the Bangladesh batting lineup, featuring Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim, in tatters at Sylhet.
BAN vs ZIM, 1st Test: Highlights
Bangladesh had already stumbled at the start of the match, getting bundled out for 191 in their first innings. Muzarabani’s spell of 3/50 made the early damage worse. In reply, Zimbabwe posted a steady 273, courtesy of a more composed batting display.
In the second innings, Muzarabani returned with an even more lethal spell of 6/72, ripping through the Najmul Shanto-led side on their home turf. Despite valiant efforts from Shanto, who scored 60 off 105, and Jaker Ali, who added 58 off 111, Bangladesh could only set a target of 174 for Zimbabwe.
Riding on a brilliant 95-run opening stand between Brian Bennett and Ben Curran, the chase became a smooth affair for the visitors. Zimbabwe clinched only their third away win in Test history and their fourth overall, with the other coming against Pakistan way back in 1998.
