DHAKA, April 23, 2025 (BSS)- Zimbabwe opener Brian John Bennett batted 
resolutely to help the side reach 117-2 at tea on Day 4 of the first cricket 
Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

They needed just 57 runs for their first victory in the Test format since 
2021. Brian Bennett followed his 57 with his second half-century in the match 
and remained not out on 52 at the second interval of the day.
 
Cashing a victory target of 174, after wrapping up Bangladesh for 255 in the 
second innings, Zimbabwe openers Bennett and Ben Curran put on a 95-run 
partnership to ease any kind of pressure.

Curran made 44 off 75 with seven fours before being dismissed Mehidy Hasan 
Miraz and shortly after left-arm spinner Taijul Islam had Nick Welch leg-
before for 10.

Bennett clipped Taijul's full-length delivery past mid-wicket for two to 
raise his second half-century from 69 balls in the last over of the second 
session.

His 70 ball-52 runs knock included seven fours and one six.
 
Zimbabwe's last victory on Bangladesh soil also came in Sylhet in 2018. 
Earlier, fast bowler Blessing Muzurabani gave Zimbabwe a small target, 
utilizing Bangladeshi batters reckless batting in good effect. 

Muzurabani claimed 6-72, his third five-wicket in 10 Tests, as Bangladesh 
were bowled out for 255 in its second innings. 

Resuming the Day 4 on 194-4 after rain delayed the start, Bangladesh were 
able to add just 61 runs to the overnight total before being all out shortly 
before the lunch session.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto top-scored with 60 while Jaker Ali Anik who was 
the last batter out made 58.

But Shanto's injudicious shot in just second ball of the day triggered the 
collapse, as Bangladesh were looking for a lead above 250 runs, senior batter 
Mominul Haque who scored 47 said after Day three's post-match conference.

Shanto's premeditated attempt for a pull shot against short pitched delivery 
that was well outside off brought an end to his innings when Bangladesh 
needed him badly to take the game out of Zimbabwe's reach.
Shanto's innings included seven boundaries.

Just three overs later, Muzurabani extended Mehidy Hasan Miraz's lean patch 
with the willow undoing him with an extra pace and bounce. He reacted late 
and got thick outside edge that went straight to gully fielder.

Jaker Ali played patiently to raise his fourth half-century in as many Tests 
from 106 balls by pulling Victor Nyauchu for a fine-leg boundary.
Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza who took 2-20, claimed the wicket of 
Hasan Mahmud and Khaled Ahmed in consecutive deliveries.

Muzurabani fittingly wrapped up Bangladesh's innings by dismissing Jaker Ali, 
that not only gave him his six-for but also made him the joint-fastest to 50 
Test wickets for his country.

Bangladesh earlier were folded for 191 in its first innings. Zimbabwe replied 
with 273 to take an 82 runs lead.