Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 130 runs in a one-off Test at Harare Sports club on Monday to claim their first victory since making their return to cricket after a six-year absence.
Zimbabwe had set Bangladesh a victory target of 375 runs in their second innings having declared at 5-291 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 for lbw.
Although Zimbabwe have recently played in other formats it is their first victory in the 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.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
I have to agree that this idea of one first class match before entering a Test series is not good enough. But with the proliferation of limited overs, at 50 and 20 limit, cricket and a crowded calendar I don't see it changing. Its probably already cost India a series win in Australia. Its god to see Zimbabwe back though, and competitive with the lower echelon of Test nations. Hopefully Bangladesh will have learned something and come back stronger. While it Zimbabwe's first Test in almost six years, it was Bangladesh's first for a year too. These sides simply need more games, nothing teaches players like a five day Test.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
It was a good game of cricket, and more proof you need more first class games in a tour. This modern crap about only needing one warmup game robs cricketers of development, as the tour games are where your reserves get to experience different bowlers in different conditions,