DHAKA, April 23, 2025 (BSS)- Zimbabwe overcame a Mehidy Hasan Miraz scare to 
secure a three-wicket victory in the first cricket Test against Bangladesh, 
ending a win-drought that haunted them since 2021.

But at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today they showed an unwavering 
resolve to seal the deal, albeit some hiccup.

Chasing victory target of 174, Zimbabwe looked to secure it with ease when 
openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran shared a 95-run for the opening stand. 
But Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood tall, threatening to deny them.

However, Zimbabwe's lower order held the nerve eventually to secure a victory 
for which they have been craving for a long. It was their only third victory 
on Bangladesh soil. They registered their last victory also in this venue in 
2018. 

Miraz claimed 5-50, his consecutive second five-for and eventually finished 
with a match haul of 10-102. But his third 10-for in Test cricket was not 
enough against a spirited side.

Opener Brian Bennett played crucial role in the victory after fast bowler 
Blessing Muzurabani claimed 6-72 to set the platform of a victory. Bennett 
who made 57 in the first innings, scored 54 in this innings to keep 
Zimbabwe's nose ahead.

Cashing a victory target of 174, after wrapping up Bangladesh for 255 in the 
second innings, Zimbabwe openers Bennett and Curran appeared to keep the side 
on course for a comfortable victory.

Miraz broke through with the wicket of Curran who made 44 off 75. 

Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam who finished with 2-70 had Nick Welch leg-
before for 10, shortly after that as Bangladesh looked to rebound. 

Bennett clipped Taijul's full-length delivery past mid-wicket for two to 
raise his second half-century from 69 balls in the last over of the second 
session.

Miraz gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope dismissing Sean Williams and Bennett 
in his consecutive two overs before Taijul got the better of captain Craig 
Ervine.

Wessley Madhevere held together the innings to help the side sail the home 
eventually. Madhevere fittingly confirmed the victory with a reverse-swept 
four against Zimbabwe.

Earlier, fast bowler Blessing Muzurabani gave Zimbabwe a small target, 
utilizing Bangladeshi batters reckless batting in good effect. 

Muzurabani claimed 6-72, his third five-wicket in 10 Tests, as Bangladesh 
were bowled out for 255 in its second innings. 

Resuming the Day 4 on 194-4 after rain delayed the start, Bangladesh were 
able to add just 61 runs to the overnight total before being all out shortly 
before the lunch session.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 60 while Jaker Ali Anik who was 
the last batter out made 58.

But Shanto's injudicious shot in just second ball of the day triggered the 
collapse, as Bangladesh were looking for a lead above 250 runs, senior batter 
Mominul Haque who scored 47 said after Day 3's post-match conference.

Shanto's premeditated attempt for a pull shot against short pitched delivery 
that was well outside off brought an end to his innings when Bangladesh 
needed him badly to take the game out of Zimbabwe's reach.

Shanto's innings included seven boundaries.

Just three overs later, Muzurabani extended Mehidy Hasan Miraz's lean patch 
with the willow undoing him with an extra pace and bounce. He reacted late 
and got a thick outside edge that went straight to gully fielder.

Jaker Ali played patiently to raise his fourth half-century in as many Tests 
from 106 balls by pulling Victor Nyauchu for a fine-leg boundary.

Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza who took 2-20, claimed the wicket of 
Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed in consecutive deliveries.

Muzurabani fittingly wrapped up Bangladesh's innings by dismissing Jaker Ali, 
that not only gave him his six-for but also made him the joint-fastest to 50 
Test wickets for his country.

Bangladesh earlier were folded for 191 in its first innings. Zimbabwe replied 
with 273 to take an 82 runs lead.