Zimbabwe scripted a historic victory in Sylhet, defeating Bangladesh by three wickets in the first Test to claim their first win in the longest format in over four years. Despite a five-wicket haul from Mehidy Hasan Miraz and multiple dramatic turns on day four, the hosts fell short, continuing their wretched Test run at home.

Set a small target of 174, Zimbabwe cruised early thanks to a 95-run opening stand between Brian Bennett (54) and Ben Curran (44). But a stunning spell from Miraz late in the day brought Bangladesh back into the contest for a while. From 117 for 2, Zimbabwe suddenly found themselves at 161 for 7.

However, Wesley Madhevere kept his nerve, guiding his side home with an unbeaten 19, sealing Zimbabwe’s highest successful run chase in Test history. Their previous best came in 1998 when they overhauled 162 against Pakistan.

Miraz was the star performer for Bangladesh, claiming 5 for 50 in the second innings and completing his third 10-wicket haul in Tests. He also became only the third Bangladeshi to reach 200 Test wickets, after Shakib Al Hasan and Taijul Islam. But his individual brilliance couldn’t mask the team’s collective batting frailty.

Earlier in the morning, the first session began under overcast skies, with the match starting 75 minutes late due to a wet outfield. In a moment that perhaps defined Bangladesh’s day, skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto was dismissed on the second ball—caught at fine leg after a rash pull off Blessing Muzarabani. Sitting alone in the dugout in visible frustration, Shanto watched his team unravel.

Mehidy offered a brief counter-attack, striking back-to-back boundaries off Muzarabani, but was caught behind soon after. Jaker Ali provided resistance with a well-crafted 58 and became the first Bangladeshi to score fifties in each of his first four Tests. Still, Bangladesh were bowled out for 255, adding just 61 runs on the fourth morning.

Muzarabani led Zimbabwe’s charge with 6 for 72, completing match figures of 9 for 107 and becoming the fastest Zimbabwean to reach 50 Test wickets. Wellington Masakadza chipped in with two wickets, including a vital one of Jaker.

Zimbabwe’s chase had moments of unease – particularly when Miraz and Taijul sparked a late collapse. Taijul had Craig Ervine caught behind via a successful review, and Miraz bowled Masakadza with a beauty. At 161 for 7, Bangladesh sensed an unlikely win. Rain and fading light briefly halted play, but floodlights allowed the match to continue.

Ultimately, a reverse-swept boundary by Madhevere off Miraz sealed the win, handing Zimbabwe their first Test victory over Bangladesh in over six years and a 1–0 lead in the series.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh Cricket Board announced the squad for the second Test against Zimbabwe which starts on 28 April at Chattogram’s Bir Shrestha Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium.

There are two changes from the first Test squad. Opening batsman Anamul Haque Bijoy , who is in tremendous form in the ongoing Dhaka Premier Division Cricket League, has earned a recall. The 32-year old had last played a Test in 2022. Fast bowler Nahid Rana has been replaced by uncapped left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam. Bangladesh opted to drop opener Zakir Hasan, who did feature in the opening Test. Rana is expected to feature for Peshwar Zalmi in the ongoing Pakistan Super League.

SQUAD

Najmul Hossain Shanto (Captain), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Anamul Haque Bijoy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan Ankon, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Vice Captain), Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Tanvir Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib.