A Test match victory in Bangladesh is no mean feat – even more established teams like England and Australia have lost there in recent seasons. So Bangladesh were naturally the favourites to brush Zimbabwe aside when they met in the first Test in Sylhet.
But, contrary to expectations, Zimbabwe took an early advantage in the Test, and despite a bit of a slip in their second innings, they kept the pressure on to eventually secure a 151-run victory.
The significance of the win for Zimbabwe can’t be overstated – Since September 2013, when they had defeated Pakistan in Harare, Zimbabwe had lost 11 Tests and managed a lone draw in the format. Notably, their last win overseas came as far back as in 2001! It’s no surprise that Zimbabwe were thrilled to bits after the win.
“It was pretty difficult. (It) took me a long time to get in on that wicket. Going back to the one-day games, I realised that was the case so I brought it forward into the Test matches and luckily it worked out for me. Unfortunately, I didn’t get the 12 runs needed to get to my century. But it’s still on the cards, and it’s definitely on my plans for the next Test,” said Williams.
He too reserved special words of appreciation for the bowlers: “I think young Brandon Mavuta bowled really well, it was fantastic to see. Unfortunately, he didn’t get his five-wicket haul, but also our seamers – on a spin-friendly wicket, (Kyle) Jarvis and (Tendai) Chatara bowled really well in the first innings to set the game up for us.”
