Bangladesh Bowled Out for 140 on Day One, Zimbabwe Take Control

Bangladesh endured a disappointing opening day in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe, failing to make the most of the conditions. After being asked to bat first, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s side crumbled against Zimbabwe’s disciplined pace attack and were bowled out for just 140 in 47.2 overs in their first innings.

Mominul’s Resistance Amid Batting Collapse

On a pace-friendly pitch in Harare, Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarava won the toss and elected to field first. Bangladesh found themselves under pressure from the outset as Zimbabwe’s fast bowlers struck early.

Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for 2 with the team score on just 6, falling to Newman Nyamhuri. The other opener, Shadman Islam, looked set for a solid innings but was dismissed for 20 by Brad Evans.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced batter Mominul Haque then steadied the innings with a 56-run partnership for the third wicket. Shanto showed patience but managed only 19 runs from 73 deliveries before edging Ngarava to the slips.

Holding one end firmly, Mominul produced another fighting Test innings. He top-scored for Bangladesh with 60 off 81 balls, striking 12 boundaries before being caught and bowled by Nyamhuri.

Following Mominul’s dismissal, Bangladesh’s lower middle order collapsed dramatically. Mushfiqur Rahim (11), debutant Towhid Hridoy (6), Amit Hasan (4), and Taijul Islam (9) all failed to make significant contributions. Bangladesh lost their final eight wickets for just 48 runs, eventually being dismissed for 140.

Zimbabwe’s bowling attack was led by young left-arm pacer Newman Nyamhuri, who claimed 4 wickets for 61 runs in 12.2 overs. Blessing Muzarabani and captain Richard Ngarava also maintained relentless pressure with disciplined spells. Muzarabani returned figures of 2 for 19 from 15 overs, including eight maidens, while Ngarava picked up 2 for 18 from 10 overs with four maidens. Brad Evans claimed the remaining two wickets.