Brilliant victory on return for Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe had set Bangladesh a victory target of 375 runs in their second innings having declared at 291-5 at tea on Sunday. However, the tourists were bowled out for 244.

Despite a steady start to their second innings, the tourists were restricted to 228 at lunch, 147 runs short of their target with only two wickets remaining.

Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain were left to continue Bangladesh’s unlikely bid, which was ended by Kyle Jarvis when he had Islam, on 12 runs, out lbw.

Although Zimbabwe have recently played in other formats, it is their first victory in the most respected Test format since self-imposed exile in January 2005, inspired by the fact they had become the whipping boys of Test cricket with little prospect of improvement.

In recent years administrators have introduced a franchised five-province first-class league that has provided players with a competitive edge.

ZimCricket managing director Ozias Bvute and chairman Peter Chingoka had also pushed for a return to Test cricket for at least 15 months since Sri Lanka and India played an ODI triangular in the country.

Score Board
ZIMBABWE (I Innings): 370 all out
BANGLADESH (I Innings): 287 all out
ZIMBABWE (II Innings): 291/5 decl
BANGLADESH (II Innings, O/n: 112/3):
Iqbal b Mpofu    43
Kayes c Taibu b Jarvis    31
Nafees b Jarvis    9
Ashraful b Vitori    39
Rahim c Ervine b Mpofu    28
Mahmudullah c Taibu b Mpofu    11
Shakib c Taylor b Chigumbura    6
Razzak b Chigumbura    43
Shafiul b Jarvis    7
Rubel (not out)    8
Robiul lbw Jarvis1    2
Extras (B-4, LB-2, NB-1)    7
Total (all out, 57.3 overs)    244
Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-87, 3-102, 4-140, 5-167, 6-174, 7-174, 8-224, 9-228.
Bowling: Vitori 14-1-56-1, Jarvis 16.3-4-61-4, Chigumbura 15-3-50-2, Mpofu 10-0-51-3, Price 2-0-20-0.