Zimbabwe celebrated in style after ending their six-year absence from Test cricket with a 130-run victory over Bangladesh here on Monday. The jubilant home team had set the tourists a daunting target of 375 to win, and secured the victory when Kyle Jarvis trapped Robiul Islam lbw for 12 to end Bangladesh’s second innings on 244.
Zimbabwe had made 370 in their first innings, helped on their way by a fine 104 from Hamilton Masakadza. After ending Bangladesh’s reply on 287, the hosts then reached 291 for five in their second innings, including an unbeaten century from Brendan Taylor, before declaring at tea on Sunday. The result was of major significance to Zimbabwe on their return to Test cricket after a self-imposed six year absence from the game, and the players cracked open the champagne bottles in celebration as they made their way off the field.
“We feel totally justified now at returning to Tests,” said Taylor, who was named man of the match in his first Test as captain after following up his first innings 71 with 105 not out in the second innings. “It has been a long, hard haul. I believe we won mainly because we have worked so hard during the last 12 months. “The fact is we wanted to win more than Bangladesh did. Our team really put themselves on the line. We had some setbacks, but we had the strength to recover,” continued Taylor, who becomes only the seventh player in cricket history to score a century in his first Test as captain. This victory may have been recorded against the lowest-ranked Test-playing nation, but Zimbabwe can now look forward to further one-off Test matches at home to Pakistan next month and in New Zealand in the New Year.
