Bangladesh came from behind in stunning fashion to beat Zimbabwe by a massive margin of an innings and 106 runs in the second and final Test of the series. The tournament was held at the Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram from April 28, 2025.
After losing the first Test, Najmul Hossain Shanto’s men showcased that they are still among the best teams in the world, especially when playing on home turf. Bangladesh proved why they take things up a notch when the ball is turning and the weather is sultry.
Zimbabwe batted first and put up a decent total of 227 on the board. Sean Williams (67) and Nick Welch (54) propped up the score of the visiting side with gutsy half-centuries. Yet, the star of the show was left-arm spinner Taijul Islam, who returned with figures of 6-60.
The gifted spinner bowled in the right areas throughout the game and troubled the Zimbabwean batters with his accuracy. Zimbabwe took the bait whenever Taijul offered it, and they were bowled out in just over 90 overs. Seamer Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the second-most successful bowler for Bangladesh in this innings, with figures of 3-49.
Bangladesh, in reply, put up a mammoth 444 after batting for 129 overs. Opener Shadman Islam (120) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (104) played classy knocks, returning to the pavilion with well-earned centuries. At the same time, Sakib (41) and Mushfiqur Rahim (40) essayed responsible roles with the bat.
The pitch did not turn much when the Bangladeshis were batting, which was rather strange. Yet, a reasonable explanation could be that the Zimbabwean bowlers couldn’t hit the right lengths to trouble their hosts. As a result, they were punished under the relentless sun and made to chase leather. Still, Vincent Masekesa emerged as their best bowler with figures of 5-115.
Walking out to bat in their second innings, Zimbabwe imploded in a fashion not seen regularly in these climes. Ben Curran was the only batter standing tall amid the ruins with a well-made 44. But the rest of his teammates surrendered meekly to the Bangladeshi bowlers. After scoring a stroke-filled ton, Miraz returned to pick up 5-32 and help Bangladesh bowl Zimbabwe out for just 111.
Even more embarrassing for the visitors was that they could last only 46.2 overs. In the end, both teams shared the trophy as Zimbabwe had won the first match by three wickets.
Bangladesh made a strong comeback in the second Test to draw the series 1-1. Although they will not be too pleased with losing the first game, the Bangla Tigers know the importance of this victory. Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will go home with the confidence of having done well on foreign soil after a long time.
