Zimbabwe On Verge Of Victory Against Bangladesh In First Test With Just 57 Runs Needed
The African team requires 57 more runs with 8 wickets in hand as Test match heads toward thrilling finale
oyce Joyson is a sports, beauty, and lifestyle writer with over a year of experience creating engaging content. She holds a triple majors bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Geography from IIS University and a Master’s in Mass Communication and Journalism from Kristu Jayanti College.
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The first Test between Bangladesh and Zimbabwe has reached a critical stage with the visitors closing in on victory. According to the latest update from the Bangladesh Cricket Board’s official Instagram account, Zimbabwe needs just 57 more runs to win with 8 wickets in hand at tea on day four.
Zimbabwe In Commanding Position
After four days of competitive cricket, Zimbabwe has positioned themselves strongly in the run chase. At tea on day four, they stand at 117/2 after 28 overs in their second innings, requiring just 57 more runs to secure victory in the first Test of their tour of Bangladesh 2025.
The match has swung back and forth throughout the four days, with both teams having their moments. However, Zimbabwe now finds themselves in a commanding position to take a 1-0 lead in the series, with Bangladesh needing to claim the remaining 8 wickets quickly to have any chance of winning.
Bangladesh’s Second Innings Effort
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had posted a competitive total in their second innings. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front with a solid fifty, demonstrating focus and determination when his team needed it most. His captain’s knock provided stability to Bangladesh’s batting lineup as they looked to set a challenging target for Zimbabwe.
Another significant contribution came from Jaker Ali, who scored a crucial 58 runs off 111 balls in Bangladesh’s second innings. His composed innings helped Bangladesh build their lead when they were under pressure. Jaker reached his half-century with a composed knock, holding firm at a critical juncture for the Tigers.
By the end of their second innings, Bangladesh had accumulated 255 runs, setting Zimbabwe a target of 174 to win.
Zimbabwe’s Chase Begins
Zimbabwe began their chase cautiously. At lunch on day four, they were 4/0 after just one over, facing the daunting task of scoring 170 more runs to win. However, since then, they have made steady progress, reaching 117/2 by tea, losing only two wickets in the process.
The visitors have shown remarkable composure in their pursuit, negotiating Bangladesh’s bowling attack effectively. With eight wickets still in hand and only 57 runs needed, Zimbabwe appears to be in the driver’s seat heading into the final session of day four.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s Five-Wicket Haul
A notable performance in this Test match came from Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who claimed a five-wicket haul (5/52) in Zimbabwe’s first innings on day two. This was Miraz’s 11th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, highlighting his importance to Bangladesh’s bowling attack. His spell, which lasted 20.2 overs including 5 maidens, helped restrict Zimbabwe’s first innings total.
Despite Miraz’s heroics with the ball, Bangladesh now faces an uphill battle to prevent Zimbabwe from taking the lead in this Test series. The hosts will need quick wickets in the final session if they hope to stage a comeback.
Match Progression
The match has seen several momentum shifts over the four days. Bangladesh ended day two at 57/1 in their second innings, trailing by 25 runs. By the end of day three, they had progressed to 194/4, establishing a lead of 112 runs.
On the morning of day four, Bangladesh was bowled out for 255 in their second innings. Zimbabwe then began their chase of 174 runs, reaching 4/0 at lunch before advancing to 117/2 by tea.
The Bangladesh Cricket Team, also known as The Tigers, has a rich history in international cricket since gaining Test status in 2000. While they have made significant strides in limited-overs cricket in recent years, Test cricket continues to be an area where they seek consistent improvement.
This match against Zimbabwe represents an important opportunity for Bangladesh to secure a home Test victory, but with just 57 runs needed and 8 wickets in hand for the visitors, Zimbabwe appears to be on the verge of a memorable win.
Cricket fans will be eagerly watching the final session of day four to see if Zimbabwe can complete their victory or if Bangladesh can produce a bowling performance for the ages to snatch an unlikely win. The first Test in this series has certainly delivered compelling cricket, with the contest between bat and ball providing entertainment throughout the four days.
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