Zimbabwe dominate Day one as Bangladesh crumble for 191 in opening Test

Zimbabwe made a strong start to the opening Test against Bangladesh by bowling out the home side for just 191 runs on the first day. Led by Wellington Masakadza and Blessing Muzarabani, who both claimed three wickets, Zimbabwe’s bowlers kept Bangladesh under pressure throughout the innings. Victor Nyauchi and Wessly Madhevere also played key roles, taking two wickets each.

Bangladesh, returning to Test cricket after a five-month break, continued to struggle with the bat. This was the sixth time in their last ten Test innings that they were bowled out for under 200. Despite a brief recovery, they collapsed from a promising 98 for 2 to 146 for 7, losing five wickets for just 48 runs.

Mominul Haque was the top scorer with a composed 56, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 40. However, both failed to convert their starts into big scores, and the rest of the batting lineup could not offer much resistance.

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack struck early, with Nyauchi removing both openers in the first hour. Shadman Islam edged to gully for a sharp catch by Brian Bennett, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy was caught behind soon after for 14.

Mominul was given an early life when Nyasha Mayavo dropped a tough chance off Muzarabani’s bowling. Bangladesh managed to go to lunch at 84 for 2, having weathered the early storm, but Zimbabwe came back strongly after the break.

Rain delayed the post-lunch session by 30 minutes, but Muzarabani returned with fire, using short balls to trouble the batters. Shanto, who had hit six boundaries, mistimed a pull and was caught at point by Madhevere.

Soon after, Mushfiqur Rahim fell cheaply for 4, giving Masakadza his first wicket with a simple catch to short midwicket. Mominul followed, also falling to Masakadza in similar fashion after reaching his half-century.

Muzarabani continued with his aggressive approach and dismissed Mehidy Hasan Miraz with a sharp bouncer. The lower order offered little resistance. Taijul Islam edged behind down the leg side, Hasan Mahmud was bowled by Muzarabani, and Madhevere wrapped up the innings by dismissing Jaker Ali and Nahid Rana in the same over.

By the end of the day, Zimbabwe had not only bowled Bangladesh out cheaply but also made a strong start with the bat. Openers Ben Curran and Brian Bennett safely negotiated 14.1 overs, adding 67 runs without loss and putting Zimbabwe firmly in control at stumps.

It was a perfect start for Zimbabwe, especially at a venue where they last tasted Test victory over Bangladesh seven years ago.