After two decades, Bangladesh once again suffered a shocking batting collapse against Zimbabwe, being bowled out for just 191 runs on the opening day of the Test in Sylhet. The last time the Tigers were dismissed for under 200 in a home Test innings against Zimbabwe was back in 2001 — a statistic that many believed was long buried in the past.
This series was seen by many as a chance for Bangladesh to polish their Test record. Given the gap in experience and form between the two teams, with Bangladesh having grown significantly stronger over the years and Zimbabwe fielding a relatively inexperienced squad, expectations were high for a dominant performance from the home side. Instead, fans were left disappointed by a lacklustre batting display that brought back memories of early struggles.
Bangladesh started the day with some promise. Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Saif Hassan looked steady, playing a few attractive shots and settling in. But the stability didn't last. Saif fell first, edging a delivery from Victor Nyauchi to the gully for 12. Joy followed almost immediately, nicking another Nyauchi delivery to the keeper after scoring 14. With just 32 runs on the board, Bangladesh had already lost both openers.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque then tried to rebuild the innings, putting together a decent partnership. Shanto looked solid before falling for 40, caught at the backwards point off Blessing Muzarabani. At that point, the score was 98.
Mushfiqur Rahim's stay at the crease was short-lived. He managed just 4 runs from 18 balls before falling to Wellington Masakadza. Mominul brought up his fifty — the only significant score of the innings — before he too was dismissed by Masakadza, having scored 56 off 105 balls with 8 boundaries and a six.
The middle and lower orders offered little resistance. Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored just 1 run before being removed by Muzarabani. Taijul Islam hung around but contributed only 3 runs before edging one behind. At 146 for 7, Bangladesh were in deep trouble.
Zakir Ali Anik and Hasan Mahmud stitched together a brief 41-run partnership, offering some late resistance. Hasan scored 19 before being dismissed, and Zakir, who made 28 off 59 balls, fell soon after trying to accelerate.
The innings came to a close on the final ball of the 61st over when Nahid Rana was bowled by Wesley Madhevere, sealing Bangladesh's collapse for 191 runs.
For Zimbabwe, the bowling was disciplined and effective. Blessing Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza picked up three wickets each, while Victor Nyauchi and Wesley Madhevere claimed two apiece, marking a memorable day for Zimbabwean cricket and a sobering one for Bangladesh.
