Zimbabwe enjoyed a near-perfect start to their Test campaign against Bangladesh, ending Day 1 of the first Test in complete control at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. After a disciplined bowling display saw them dismiss the hosts for a modest 191, the Zimbabwean openers rubbed salt in the wounds by racing to 67 without loss at stumps.
Opener Brian Bennett led the charge with an aggressive unbeaten 40 off just 37 deliveries, striking six boundaries along the way. His partner Ben Curran played the supporting role, finishing the day on 17 not out, as the pair guided Zimbabwe to within 124 runs of Bangladesh’s total.
Bangladesh’s much-vaunted pace attack struggled to make an impact, with the visitors scoring at over 4.5 runs per over before bad light forced an early end to the day’s play.
The home side’s problems began much earlier, however. Having won the toss and chosen to bat, Bangladesh began steadily and reached 84-2 by lunch. But a dramatic collapse in the afternoon session saw them lose five wickets for just 70 runs, going into tea at 154-7. The tail added only 37 more runs before the innings was wrapped up.
Mominul Haque top-scored with 56, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 40. Both, however, were dismissed at crucial moments after getting set, leaving the lower order exposed and unable to resist Zimbabwe’s relentless pressure.
Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani were the standout bowlers for Zimbabwe, each claiming three wickets, while Victor Nyauchi and Wessly Madhevere shared the remaining four scalps.
The day belonged entirely to the visitors, who will look to capitalise on their strong position and build a first-innings lead when play resumes on Day 2.