Bangladesh National Cricket Team vs Zimbabwe National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Zimbabwe made an encouraging start in their reply to Bangladesh’s modest first innings total of 191, finishing Day 1 at 67/0 in 14.1 overs. Brian Bennett led the charge with an unbeaten 40 off 37 balls, supported by Ben Curran’s composed 17* off 49 deliveries. With both openers looking settled, Zimbabwe now trail by just 124 runs with all 10 wickets in hand heading into Day 2 of the first Test in Chattogram.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to make use of a dry pitch that promised early assistance for the batters. However, the Zimbabwean bowlers put up a collective display of discipline and persistence, led by the trio of Wellington Masakadza (3/21), Blessing Muzarabani (3/50), and Victor Nyauchi (2/74), as the hosts were bundled out in just 61 overs.
The innings began with Bangladesh’s openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam showing early caution. But Nyauchi broke the stand by removing Shadman for 12 and then dismissed Mahmudul shortly after for 14. Despite early setbacks, Mominul Haque and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the ship with a 66-run partnership.
Mominul was the standout batter for Bangladesh, scoring a well-crafted 56 off 105 deliveries, including eight boundaries and a six. Shanto contributed 40, but once both were dismissed before the tea break, the lower middle-order crumbled under Zimbabwe’s spin attack.
Veteran all-rounder Wellington Masakadza made key breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Mushfiqur Rahim (4), Taijul Islam (3), and Mominul himself. Meanwhile, Muzarabani continued to trouble the batters with his bounce and pace, removing Shanto, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Hasan Mahmud.
Wessly Madhevere, despite bowling just three overs, made a significant impact by claiming two crucial wickets—Jaker Ali (28) and tailender Nahid Rana—giving away only two runs and helping wrap up the innings just before the new ball was due.
In reply, Zimbabwe got off to a confident start. Brian Bennett, known for his aggressive strokeplay, wasted no time in taking on the Bangladeshi bowlers. He struck six boundaries during his fluent knock and looked in control against both pace and spin. At the other end, Ben Curran was content to play the anchor role, showing good patience and technique.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack, which lacked venom on a fairly flat Day 1 pitch, failed to make any inroads in the final hour of play. Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana were economical but unable to generate breakthroughs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, expected to pose a threat on a turning surface, was largely ineffective in his three overs.
As the sun set over the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Zimbabwe walked back with momentum firmly in their favor. Their top-order looked composed and confident, and with key batters like Sean Williams, Craig Ervine, and Wessly Madhevere yet to come, the visitors will aim to build a sizeable first-innings lead.
What to Watch on Day 2:
- Can Zimbabwe’s openers build on this strong foundation and post a big total?
- Will Bangladesh’s bowlers regroup and find early breakthroughs in the morning session?
- How will the pitch behave as the match progresses?
With Zimbabwe trailing by 124 runs and no wickets lost, Day 2 promises to be a crucial day in this evenly poised contest.
