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Day 1 of the Sylhet Test saw Zimbabwe seize control after a dominant bowling display and a solid opening stand against Bangladesh. Electing to bat, Bangladesh were bundled out for a paltry 191, with Zimbabwe then reaching 67 without loss by stumps, trailing by 124 runs but holding a commanding position.
Zimbabwe bowlers take control on the opening day of 1st Test against Zimbabwe
Bangladesh’s innings began cautiously after they won the toss, choosing to bat on a pitch initially favouring pace. Openers Joy and Islam put on 31 before both fell cheaply to Nyauchi, who spearheaded Zimbabwe’s disciplined bowling attack. Nyauchi’s early breakthroughs set the tone.
Mominul Haque’s resilient 56, featuring ten boundaries, provided the main resistance for Bangladesh amidst consistent pressure from the Zimbabwe bowlers. Skipper Shanto added a valuable 40 before falling to Muzarabani, who was Zimbabwe’s standout bowler with 3 for 50. Masakadza’s left-arm spin proved equally effective, taking 3 for 21, while Madhevere and Nyauchi chipped in with the remaining wickets, highlighting a cohesive bowling effort from the visitors.
After a promising start at 98 for 2, Bangladesh suffered a dramatic collapse, losing their last eight wickets for just 93 runs. Zimbabwe’s bowlers expertly exploited the conditions, with disciplined lengths and variations forcing errors. Bangladesh was eventually dismissed in 61 overs, failing to capitalize on their starts despite the pitch easing out later.
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Zimbabwe openers stand tall on Day 1
In their reply, Zimbabwe’s openers Bennett (unbeaten 40 off 37, with six boundaries) and Curran (unbeaten 17) displayed confidence. They navigated the new ball effectively, scoring at a healthy 4.73 runs per over by the end of the day. Their unbroken partnership put Zimbabwe in a strong position, significantly reducing the deficit without losing a wicket. Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled for breakthroughs as the pitch offered little assistance.
Looking ahead to Day 2, with sunny skies expected to favour batting, Zimbabwe will aim to build a substantial first-innings lead. Bangladesh will need early wickets and a strong second-innings batting performance to fight back.
