Zimbabwe pulled off a historic and emotional triumph in Sylhet, beating Bangladesh by three wickets to end a four-year wait for a Test match victory. 

Chasing a target of 174 runs in the fourth innings, Zimbabwe overcame late jitters to seal the win on day four of the first Test of the two-match series.

The victory marks Zimbabwe’s highest successful run chase in Test history, surpassing their previous best of 162. 

It also ends a winless streak dating back to March 2021, when they last defeated Afghanistan.

Openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran laid the foundation with a steady 50-plus stand, making them only the fourth Zimbabwean opening pair to achieve that feat in both innings of a Test — the first since 2011. 

Bennett top-scored with 54, while Curran contributed 44. Despite a late collapse that saw Zimbabwe lose three wickets for 30 runs, Richard Ngarava and Wessly Madhevere held their nerve to complete the chase.

Earlier, Bangladesh were dismissed for 191 in the first innings, with Mominul Haque scoring a lone half-century. Zimbabwe responded strongly with 273, thanks to Bennett’s 57 and Sean Williams’ 59. Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed five wickets for the hosts.

Bangladesh’s second innings total of 255 was anchored by captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto (60) and Jaker Ali (58), but Blessing Muzarabani’s six-wicket haul proved decisive.

The victory ends a 10-match winless streak for Zimbabwe, reviving hopes for a resurgence in their Test cricket journey.

BDST: 1840 HRS, April 23, 2025
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