Blessing Muzarabani returned nine match wickets as Zimbabwe scored a thrilling three-wicket win over Bangladesh for their first Test victory in over four years.
With less than a month to go until they take on England at Trent Bridge, the Chevrons held their nerve to chase down 174, with 21-year-old Brian Bennett hitting half-centuries in both innings.
“He’s a wonderful kid, who has a very bright future, and he’s supremely talented,” said former Nottinghamshire favourite, and Zimbabwe legend, Brendan Taylor of Bennett last month.
“He’s a fearless cricketer, he bats at the top of the order, and he bowls some pretty handy off-spinners too.
“He’s mad for cricket, he loves it, and he has a bright future. He conducts himself very well too, he’s got the right mentality for this sort of game.”
Bennett made 57 in the first innings as Zimbabwe responded to Bangladesh’s 191 all out, as Muzarabani and Wellington Masakadza claimed three wickets each, with 273, giving them a lead of 82.
Sean Williams, whose experience was also singled out for praise by Taylor, edged Bennett for the innings’ top scorer, making 59, while wicketkeeper Nyasha Mayavo hit an important 35.
In a competitive match, the hosts did wipe out the deficit for the loss of just two wickets, and further advanced into a 56-run lead before the third scalp arrived for Zimbabwe.
However, Muzarabani, who had seen off both openers, roared his side back into contention by taking three crucial middle-order wickets to see the Tigers slip from 155-3 to 210-6.
The third of those - Mehedi Hassan, who was well caught by Bennett at gully - gave Muzarabani his five-for, and, having been pressured onto the back foot, Bangladesh eventually succumbed, adding just 45 more to their total.
Bennett’s 54, coupled with 44 from fellow opener Ben Curran, handed Zimbabwe an ideal start as they marched to 95 without loss, only for Hasan to claim 5/50 and put the result on a knife-edge.
However, the visitors’ spirit shone through, rallying from losing four for 18 as another young gun, 24-year-old Wesley Madhevere, ground out an unbeaten 19, including the winning four off Hasan.
The Chevrons have another meeting with Bangladesh, which begins in Chattogram on Monday, 28 April, before their spring assignment in Nottingham next month.
With a first victory since 2021 secured, and Taylor also having opined that “Zimbabwean cricket is in the best place it’s ever been,” the stage is now set for another Trent Bridge thriller.
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