Zimbabwe clinch first Test victory in 5 years, beat Bangladesh by 151 runs

Published November 6, 2018
Zimbabwe cricketer Sikandar Raza (2nd L) congratulates teammate Brandon Mavuta (C) after the dismissal of the Bangladesh cricketer Nazmul Hossain Shanto during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Sylhet. — AFP or licensors
Zimbabwe cricketer Sikandar Raza (2nd L) congratulates teammate Brandon Mavuta (C) after the dismissal of the Bangladesh cricketer Nazmul Hossain Shanto during the fourth day of the first Test cricket match between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe in Sylhet. — AFP or licensors

Zimbabwe thumped Bangladesh by 151 runs in the northeastern city of Sylhet on Tuesday to claim their first Test win in five years.

Debutant spinner Brendon Mavuta claimed 4-21 while Sikandar Raza grabbed 3-41 as the visitors bowled out Bangladesh for 169 in the second innings on the fourth day.

Imrul Kayes hit 43 runs for Bangladesh, top-scoring for the hosts as Zimbabwe take a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.

Bangladesh made 143 runs in the first innings in response to Zimbabwe's 282.

The visitors were then bowled out for 181 runs in the second innings, setting up a 321-run target for the home side.

The second Test will be held in Dhaka from November 11-15.

Bangladesh, chasing a record target of 321 runs in the fourth innings, resumed play on 26-0 but within half-an-hour had lost their first wicket, with others following quickly.

Play started 30 minutes early to make up for lost time after bad light brought a premature end to day three, with Bangladesh still needing 295 runs on a wearing pitch.

The home side — whose best run chase was 217-6 against the West Indies in 2009 — started collapsing once Raza reviewed a leg-before appeal against opener Liton Das.

The umpire gave Liton not out but a TV replay indicated the ball would have hit the stump after pitching outside off — ending Liton's innings on 23.

One down, Mominul Haque dragged a Jarvis delivery onto his stumps for nine before Raza bowled Imrul Kayes for 43 to leave Bangladesh at 83-3.

Skipper Mahmudullah promoted himself to number four but could not rescue his side and perished for 16, giving a catch to substitute fielder Craig Ervine at short leg off Raza.

Raza then took a spectacular catch at cover on the stroke of lunch to hand debutant Mavuta his maiden Test wicket and send back Nazmul Hossain.

Opinion

Editorial

Hardening lines
Updated 22 May, 2026

Hardening lines

Iranian suspicions about Pakistan’s close ties with Washington and Gulf states persist, while Pakistan remains uneasy over Tehran’s growing engagement with India.
Unliveable city
22 May, 2026

Unliveable city

IN Karachi, when it comes to water, it is every man and woman for themselves. A persistent shortage in available...
Glof alert
22 May, 2026

Glof alert

FOR many communities in northern Pakistan, the sound of heavy rain now carries a different meaning. It is no longer...
External woes
Updated 21 May, 2026

External woes

Relying indefinitely on remittances to offset structural economic weaknesses is not sustainable.
Political activity
21 May, 2026

Political activity

THE opposition is astir. There is talk of widespread protests this Friday over a list of dissatisfactions with the...
Seizing hope
21 May, 2026

Seizing hope

ISRAEL’S tyranny knows no bounds. After intercepting the Global Sumud Flotilla that set sail last week, disturbing...