Zim Edge Ban by 3 Wickets, Muzarabani Shines

Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s heroic 10-wicket haul went in vain as Zimbabwe clinched a dramatic three-wicket victory over Bangladesh in the Sylhet Test on Wednesday, powered by a superb all-round effort from Blessing Muzarabani and a composed chase led by Brian Bennett.

Chasing 174 on a tricky surface, Zimbabwe reached the target in the final session of day four, overcoming a mid-innings collapse that briefly swung the match back in Bangladesh’s favor.

Opener Brian Bennett stood tall under pressure, crafting his second half-century of the match. His 95-run opening partnership with Ben Curran laid the foundation for the chase and silenced the home crowd early on.

But the momentum shifted swiftly. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, already with a five-for from the first innings, tore through Zimbabwe’s middle order in a scintillating spell that saw him finish with match figures of 10 for 136. Taijul Islam chipped in with two wickets, leaving Zimbabwe rattled and Bangladesh believing.

Still, Zimbabwe refused to fold. Wessly Madhevere (19*), alongside calm contributions from Wellington Masakadza and Richard Ngarava, steered the visitors through tense final moments to seal a memorable win.

The groundwork for Zimbabwe’s triumph was laid by Muzarabani’s fiery pace. The tall quick ripped through Bangladesh’s batting in both innings, claiming match figures of 9 for 122. His second-innings effort of 6 for 72 was key in bundling the hosts out for 255, despite fifties from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (60) and Jaker Ali (58).

Bangladesh’s pacers, in contrast, failed to capitalize on helpful conditions, and the batting unit outside the top order failed to deliver, leaving the door ajar for Zimbabwe.

With this win, Zimbabwe take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Both teams will now head to Chattogram for the second Test, starting April 28.