Zimbabwe sink Bangladesh on Test return

Zimbabwe registered their first victory since returning to Test cricket after a six-year absence, beating Bangladesh by 130 runs in the one-off Test at the Harare Sports club on Monday.

Set a victory target of 375 runs in their second innings, Bangladesh were dismissed for 244.

Despite a steady start to their second innings, the tourists were restricted to 228 at lunch, 147 runs short of their target with only two wickets remaining.

Robiul Islam and Rubel Hossain were left to continue Bangladesh's unlikely bid, which was ended by Kyle Jarvis when he had Islam lbw for 12.

Although Zimbabwe recently played in other formats of the game, Monday's victory is their first in the most respected Test format since self-imposed exile in January 2005, inspired by the fact they had become the whipping boys of Test cricket with little prospect of improvement.

In recent years administrators have introduced a franchised five-province first class league that has provided players with a competitive edge.

ZimCricket managing director Ozias Bvute and chairman Peter Chingoka had also pushed for a return to Test cricket for at least 15 months since Sri Lanka and India played an ODI triangular in the country.

Scorecard

Zimbabwe (1st innings): 370 all out

Bangladesh (1st innings): 287 all out

Zimbabwe (2nd innings): 291-5 dec

Bangladesh (2nd innings): (overnight 112-3)
Tamim Iqbal b Mpofu 43
Imrul Kayes c Taibu b Jarvis 31
Shahriar Nafees b Jarvis 9
Mohammad Ashraful v Vitori 39
Mushfiqur Rahim c Ervine b Mpofu 28
Mahmudullah c Taibu b Mpofu 11
Shakib Al Hassan c Taylor b Chigumbura 6
Abdur Razzak b Chigumbura 43
Shafiul Islam b Jarvis 7
Rubel Hossain not out 8
Robiul Islam lbw b Jarvis 12.
Extras: (B 4, LB 2, NB 1) 7
Total: (57.3 overs) 244

Fall of wickets: 1-65, 2-87, 3-102, 4-140), 5-167, 6-174, 7-174, 8-224, 9-228, 10-244.

Bowling: Vitori 14-1-56-1; Jarvis 16.3-4-61-4; Chigumbura 15-3-50-2; Mpofu 10-0-51-3; Price 2-0-20-0.