Zimbabwe Clinch Historic Victory Over Bangladesh in Sylhet Test
Zimbabwe registered a famous three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Sylhet, repeating their 2018 success at the same venue. The win gave Zimbabwe a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marked their first Test win in over four years – the last coming against Afghanistan in March 2021.
The successful chase of 174 runs was Zimbabwe’s highest fourth-innings chase in Test history, eclipsing their previous best of 162 against Pakistan in 1998. It was also only their fifth Test win away from home, underscoring the significance of the result.
Bangladesh’s Inconsistent Batting Costs Them
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, but their innings quickly unraveled. Zimbabwe’s bowling attack, led by Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza, struck early and often. The pair picked up three wickets each, while Victor Nyauchi and Wessly Madhevere chipped in with two wickets apiece. The home side was bundled out for just 191 runs, with a lone resistance coming through a 66-run partnership between Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque.
Zimbabwe Take the Lead with Bat and Ball
In reply, Zimbabwe mounted a strong batting effort. Brian Bennett starred with a blazing 57 off 64 balls, while veteran Sean Williams provided stability with 59 off 108 deliveries. Despite a five-wicket haul from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and three wickets from Nahid Rana, Zimbabwe posted 273 runs, earning a healthy 82-run first innings lead.
Bangladesh Fight Back But Muzarabani Strikes Again
In their second innings, Bangladesh started well. Mominul Haque and Mahmudul Hasan Joy added 60 for the first wicket, followed by a 65-run stand between Mominul and Shanto. The skipper contributed a steady 60, while Jaker Ali added 58. However, Zimbabwe clawed back into the game, thanks to Blessing Muzarabani’s sensational 6-wicket haul. Bangladesh collapsed from 194/5 to 255 all out, leaving Zimbabwe a target of 174 runs.
Dramatic Chase Sees Zimbabwe Home
Zimbabwe’s chase began brilliantly as Ben Curran and Brian Bennett stitched a 95-run opening stand. But the game tightened after wickets began falling in quick succession, primarily due to another brilliant bowling spell from Mehidy Hasan, who grabbed a second five-for in the match.
Despite the mounting pressure, Zimbabwe held their nerve. A few nervy moments later, they managed to scrape across the line with three wickets in hand, sealing a memorable Test win and creating history at Sylhet once again.
Looking Ahead to the Second Test
The victory gives Zimbabwe a major psychological edge heading into the second Test in Chattogram starting on April 28. Bangladesh will be desperate to bounce back and level the series, while Zimbabwe will aim to wrap up a rare overseas series win.
Category: Test Cricket, Zimbabwe Cricket, Bangladesh Cricket
Tags: Zimbabwe vs Bangladesh, Sylhet Test 2025, Blessing Muzarabani, Mehidy Hasan, Sean Williams, Brian Bennett, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Bangladesh Cricket, Zimbabwe Cricket, Test Match Highlights
