Twitter Reactions: Zimbabwe stun Bangladesh to first overseas Test victory since 2001

At the close of play on the third day, Zimbabwe were in a commanding position, but Bangladesh had a slim chance of pulling off a victory in the inaugural Test match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. However, in the end, it was Hamilton Masakadza’s men, who not only won by a mammoth 151 runs but also registered their first victory in overseas Tests ever since 2001.

Spinners keep the Tigers in check

Liton Das and Imrul Kayes saw the hosts off by playing out the overs in the dying stages of the third day’s play. The duo carried on in their own merry way and put together a solid stand of 56 runs in 23 overs. The ominous looking partnership was broken by part-time off-break bowler Sikandar Raza, who trapped Das, who scored a patient 23 from 75 deliveries, plumb in front.

A few overs later Mominul Haque was castled by speedster Kyle Jarvis. Bangladesh were dealt with a body blow when Raza picked up his second wicket in the form of Kayes after the left-handed batsman reignited the home team’s hopes with a 103-ball 43 with the help of six boundaries. From a position of strength, Bangladesh, out of the blues, found themselves in dire straits.

Spinners too hot to handle

Skipper Mahmudullah perished for nine runs and became Raza’s third victim. Brandon Mavuta opened his account in the wickets-column with the wicket of Nazmul Hossain Shanto. At that point in time, Bangladesh required 210 runs with half their side already back in the hut. Soon after, the leg-spinner accounted for the prized scalp of wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur Rahim.

The last few wickets fell in pretty quick succession as Masakadza’s men didn’t give their opponent much of an opportunity to get a foothold back in the match. Ariful Haque entertained the crowd with 38 runs at more than a run-ball, but that was never going to be enough for his team to get over the line. Left-arm spinner Wellington Masakadza got rid of him to bring the curtains down on the match.

Here is how Twitter reacted

Get the latest Cricket News and updates, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.