The first Test in Sylhet delivered a gripping contest that ultimately swung Zimbabwe’s way, thanks to moments of individual brilliance and collective resilience. For Bangladesh, it was a tale of promising positions squandered, while Zimbabwe celebrated one of their finest overseas wins. Here’s a breakdown of what each side got right – and where they faltered.
Zimbabwe – The Good
Blessing Muzarabani’s match-defining spell
The towering quick was relentless across both innings, finishing with match figures of 9 for 122. Muzarabani’s consistency, aggression, and ability to strike early and late was instrumental in dismantling Bangladesh’s batting. His efforts not only earned him the player of the match but also saw him equal Heath Streak’s record for the fastest Zimbabwean to 50 Test wickets – a notable achievement.
Top-order intent and fluency
Openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran laid a solid platform with a brisk 95-run opening stand in the fourth innings. They batted positively, took the attack to the bowlers, and neutralised the new ball threat with a blend of composure and aggression. Bennett’s 54 off 81 balls was especially crucial, as it gave Zimbabwe belief in chasing their highest-ever fourth-innings total.
Tail-end temperament under pressure
Wessly Madhevere and Richard Ngarava showcased remarkable nerve in the dying stages. With wickets tumbling around them, the pair held their composure against a rampaging Mehidy Hasan. Their controlled stroke play and mature shot selection underlined Zimbabwe’s growth in pressure situations.
Zimbabwe – The Bad
Middle-order fragility
Despite a strong start, Zimbabwe’s middle order suffered a mini-collapse, losing five wickets for 50 runs after reaching 127 for 2. Players like Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, and Nyasha Mayavo failed to absorb pressure, misjudging lengths and falling to loose strokes. It was a reminder that Zimbabwe’s engine room remains vulnerable to quality spin.
Inconsistent fielding
While most catches were held, Zimbabwe’s fielding occasionally lacked polish. A few misfields and slightly erratic throws allowed Bangladesh to rotate strike more freely than they should have. Against stronger opponents, such lapses could prove costly.
Bangladesh – The Good
Mehidy Hasan’s all-round heroics
Mehidy Hasan Miraz stood tall amid the chaos. A ten-wicket match haul, including his 200th Test scalp, showcased his evolution into Bangladesh’s frontline match-winner. His spell in the fourth innings nearly turned the game on its head and highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s gritty knock
The skipper’s 60 in the second innings came at a crucial time, providing Bangladesh with a platform to build a defendable total. Shanto’s intent and control were evident, and he looked set for a big score before falling to Muzarabani early on day four.
Jaker Ali’s lower-order fight
Jaker’s 58 was a testament to his temperament and application. Farming the strike with the tail and managing a near run-a-ball rate under pressure, he ensured Bangladesh set Zimbabwe a tricky target when a complete collapse seemed imminent.
Bangladesh – The Bad
Batting collapse under pressure
From 193 for 4 to 255 all out in the second innings, Bangladesh crumbled in the face of disciplined fast bowling. The middle and lower order offered little resistance beyond Jaker, and an opportunity to bat Zimbabwe out of the match was lost.
Poor shot selection at key moments
Several dismissals – including those of Shanto, Mehidy, and Taijul – were the result of poor decision-making rather than unplayable deliveries. The tendency to chase wide balls or misread spin proved costly, particularly in the second innings.
Lack of penetration from pace attack
While Mehidy and Taijul Islam carried the bowling load, Bangladesh’s fast bowlers were largely ineffective. With little assistance from the surface, they failed to threaten Zimbabwe’s batters, allowing them to settle in and score freely at the top.
Final word
Zimbabwe’s win in Sylhet was a product of discipline, resilience, and seizing the big moments – traits that have often eluded them in years gone by. Bangladesh, conversely, were left to rue another Test match where the initiative was theirs to lose – and they did. As both teams prepare for the second Test, Zimbabwe will aim to capitalise on their momentum, while Bangladesh must address their mental lapses and middle-order woes if they’re to bounce back.