Zimbabwe overcame a Mehidy Hasan Miraz scare to secure a three-wicket victory in the first cricket Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.
Chasing the victory target of 174, Zimbabwe looked to secure it with ease when openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran shared a 95-run for opening stand. But Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood tall, threatening to deny them.
However, Zimbabwe's lower order held their nerve eventually to secure a victory for which they have been craving for a long. It was their 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 folded for 191 in its first innings. Zimbabwe replied with 273 to take an 82-run lead.
MSH
