• Blessing Muzarabani’s fiery six-wicket haul and Brian Bennett’s fifty in both innings dismantled Bangladesh in the first Test.

  • Zimbabwe defeated Bangladesh by 3 wickets in a thrilling First Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Twitter reactions: Blessing Muzarabani and Brian Bennett lead Zimbabwe to victory over Bangladesh in 1st Test
Blessing Muzarabani's fiery spell and Brian Bennett’s spectacular knock lead Zimbabwe to victory over Bangladesh in 1st Test (Image source: X)

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The first Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium delivered an intense four-day thriller that had fans on the edge of their seats. Bangladesh, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but failed to capitalize on the familiar conditions. Despite a composed 56 from Mominul Haque and a steady 40 by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, the Tigers were bundled out for 191. Zimbabwe’s bowlers worked in tandem, with Wellington Masakadza and Wessly Madhevere chipping in with three and two wickets respectively.

In reply, Zimbabwe posted 273, thanks in large part to crucial contributions from Brian Bennett (57), Sean Williams (59), and a valuable lower-order cameo from Richard Ngarava (28*). This first-innings lead of 82 put Zimbabwe in the driver’s seat. Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to wrest back control with a five-wicket haul, but it was Zimbabwe’s game to shape from there.

Blessing Muzarabani’s exceptional spell of 6 wickets against Bangladesh

If there was a single spell that defined this match, it was Blessing Muzarabani’s sensational six-wicket haul in Bangladesh’s second innings. On a wicket that wasn’t offering much, the tall pacer extracted just enough bounce and movement to tear through the Bangladeshi batting line-up. From removing both openers to claiming the crucial scalps of Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Muzarabani’s fiery 6/72 set social media ablaze. His performance not only kept Zimbabwe in the hunt but also ensured Bangladesh set a modest target of 174 — one that still held its fair share of nerves in a Test context.

Brian Bennett holds the nerve during Zimbabwean chase

Chasing 174 in the fourth innings of a Test match in Asia is never easy, and Zimbabwe’s chase was anything but smooth. However, it was Bennett’s calm head and confident strokeplay that steered Zimbabwe through turbulent waters. His 54 from 81 balls, studded with seven boundaries and a six, provided the backbone of the chase. He found able support in Ben Curran (44) early on, as the duo put on 95 for the first wicket.

Even as wickets began to tumble – from 127/3 to 161/7 – Bennett’s knock ensured Zimbabwe always stayed just ahead of the curve. His dismissal at 128 briefly reignited Bangladesh’s hopes, but Madhevere and Ngarava ensured there would be no last-minute hiccups, taking Zimbabwe over the line beating Bangladesh by 3 wickets in the First Test.

Also WATCH: Blessing Muzarabani sends Hasan Mahmud packing with a peach on Day 1 of BAN vs ZIM first Test

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.