On this day, January 10, 2005: Bangladesh registered their first ever win in the Test format. This match added a new chapter to their cricketing rise. Bangladesh created history in the first match of two Test series against Zimbabwe. They had the home advantage playing at MA Aziz Stadium in Chittagong and the crowd were treated to joy on that day 21 years ago.
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first on a very good surface. They scored 488 runs in the first innings, with big knocks from Habibul Bashar who smashed 94 and Rajin Saleh who scored 89. Mohammad Rafique also batted really well to score 69 as they put on a total of more than 450. In the second innings, Zimbabwe could score 312 runs before getting bowled out. Bangladesh had a huge first-innings lead of 176 and they were right on top. By this time the pitch had started playing a few tricks and batting got a bit tougher.
After a lead of 176, Bangladesh declared the third innings at 204 for 9 and set Zimbabwe a target of 381 runs. It was a massive total and on a crumbling track, Bangladesh were right on top. Zimbabwe could not make a fist of it in the fourth innings as they were was bowled out for 154 which gave Bangladesh their first ever Test win by 226 runs.
It was a long wait that came to an end. Bangladesh had to wait for this moment for more than 4 years and 35 Tests to achieve this feat. Bangladesh finally secured a victory to their Test tally. The home crowd were treated to a special performance and the players could breathe a sigh of relief after creating history.
This Test win was celebrated nationwide in Bangladesh. Following this historic win, In the second match of the series, Bangladesh drew the match against Zimbabwe and in that process won their first ever Test series. It was a 1-0 series win. But after this win they once again could not their next win for years as Bangladesh’s next Test win came another four years later when they beat West Indies.
