On the opening day of the first Test of the two-match series in Bangladesh, Zimbabwe delivered a brilliant all-round performance. After bowling out the hosts for just 191 runs, they came out to bat in the final session and scored 67 runs without losing a wicket.
The first day in Sylhet clearly belonged to Zimbabwe, with the Southern African nation excelling both with the bat and the ball.
The match began at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, with Bangladesh winning the toss and opting to bat first. However, they suffered early setbacks, losing both openers for just 32 runs.
Former captain Mominul Haque and current skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto tried to steady the innings, putting together a 66-run stand for the third wicket.
Later, middle-order batsman Zakir Ali Anik showed some resistance, forming a 41-run partnership with Hasan Mahmud for the eighth wicket.
Thanks to the efforts of Mominul (56), Najmul Hossain Shanto (40), and Zakir Ali Anik (28), Bangladesh managed to post 191 runs in 61 overs.
For Zimbabwe, Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza each took three wickets. Victor Nyauchi and Wesley Madhevere claimed two wickets apiece.
In response, Zimbabwe came out to bat in the final session and confidently reached 67 runs without losing any wickets in 14.1 overs. At the end of Day One, Zimbabwe trail Bangladesh by 124 runs but have all ten wickets in hand.
Based on the proceedings of the opening day, Zimbabwe is clearly in a stronger position compared to Bangladesh in the Sylhet Test.
