Fans, out of jest, call the battle between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Tests ‘Goriber Ashes’ (poor man’s Ashes), and the first Test at Sylhet really lived up to that moniker, including cloudy skies and rain.
Day four once again began with rain before play began at 11:00 pm local time, and that worked to the visitors’ favour as fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani blessed Zimbabwe with a six-wicket haul (6-72) to be precise, as Bangladesh were bundled out for 255.
Still, Zimbabwe would require 174 runs for victory in the final innings, a record run chase for them, and they eventually managed to do that with three wickets to spare at the dying embers of the day.
Zimbabwe teetered on the brink of collapse late on the fourth day, only to be rescued by Wessly Madhevere and No. 9 Richard Ngarava in a tense finish. The win marks Zimbabwe’s fourth overseas Test triumph — their first since 2018, also at this very venue — and came after their highest successful fourth-innings chase in Test cricket.
The victory was built around a superb bowling display by Blessing Muzarabani, who delivered match-winning figures of 9 for 122. His efforts earned him a place alongside Heath Streak as the fastest Zimbabwean to 50 Test wickets, underlining his growing stature as a leader of this attack.
Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz also turned in a remarkable performance, claiming ten wickets in the match, including his 200th in Tests, and spearheading Zimbabwe’s batting collapse with his second five-wicket haul of the game. But it was ultimately in vain.
Zimbabwe’s chase began confidently with openers Brian Bennett and Ben Curran racing to a 95-run stand in just 21 overs. Curran struck a composed 44 before skying Mehidy to mid-off, while Bennett played fluently for his 54 off 81 balls, hitting seven boundaries and a six. His dismissal to a mistimed lofted drive marked the beginning of Zimbabwe’s slide.
Nick Welch fell lbw to Taijul Islam for 10, and Sean Williams misjudged the bounce against Mehidy to be caught at cover for 9. The wickets tumbled quickly thereafter — Craig Ervine edged behind on review for 10, Nyasha Mayavo was bowled first ball, and Wellington Masakadza briefly counterattacked with a six and a four before Mehidy bowled him with a delivery that turned just enough from around the wicket.
At 165 for 7, the visitors still required nine runs, but Ngarava showed nerves of steel, thumping Mehidy over mid-on for a crucial boundary. Madhevere, composed throughout, struck successive boundaries — including the winning shot, a reverse-sweep off Mehidy — to take Zimbabwe over the line and into cricketing folklore.
Earlier in the day, Zimbabwe’s bowlers had set the tone with a ruthless morning session. After rain delayed play by over an hour, Muzarabani struck with the second ball of the day, removing Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for 60. He soon accounted for Mehidy as well, with Ngarava and Masakadza chipping in to clean up the tail. Bangladesh, who began the day at 193 for 4, were eventually dismissed for 255, losing six wickets for 62.
Jaker Ali fought hard with a defiant 58 off 111 deliveries, but once he top-edged Muzarabani to deep midwicket, the hosts’ hopes of setting a daunting target faded.
Zimbabwe’s bowlers shared the load admirably — Ngarava, Victor Nyauchi, and Masakadza claimed the remaining four wickets between them — but it was Muzarabani’s sustained hostility and precision that stood out.
This historic win will be remembered not only for the numbers but for the character Zimbabwe showed under pressure — an exhibition of grit, skill, and belief that may well spark a new chapter in their Test journey.
The second and final Test begins next week, with Bangladesh now needing a win to draw the series.