Zimbabwe took firm control on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh, finishing at 67-0 in reply to the hosts’ modest total of 191 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Sunday.
After winning the toss and opting to bat on a pace-friendly surface, Bangladesh faltered against a disciplined Zimbabwean attack. Despite a promising 66-run third-wicket stand between skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto (40) and Mominul Haque (56), no other batter managed to make a significant impact.
Paceman Blessing Muzarabani (3-50) and left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza (3-21) led the charge with three wickets apiece. Victor Nyauchi struck early with two wickets in quick succession, removing openers Shadman Islam (12) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (14), while Wessley Madhevere also chipped in with key breakthroughs.
In response, Zimbabwe’s openers Brian Bennett (40* off 37) and Ben Curran (17*) played confidently, putting together an unbeaten 67-run stand in just 14.1 overs before bad light ended play. Bennett in particular looked fluent, striking six boundaries and capitalizing on Bangladesh’s wayward bowling.
With just 124 runs behind and a batter-friendly pitch expected on Day 2, Zimbabwe are well-placed to build a strong first-innings lead.
The two-match series will conclude with the second Test in Chattogram, starting April 28. Both sides are looking to turn around their recent poor form, with Bangladesh currently ranked ninth and Zimbabwe at the bottom of the ICC Test rankings.
Day 1 Scores:
Bangladesh: 191 all out (Mominul Haque 56, Najmul Hossain Shanto 40; Muzarabani 3-50, Masakadza 3-21)
Zimbabwe: 67-0 (Brian Bennett 40*, Ben Curran 17*)
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first.
