OTD 2005: Bangladesh record their 1st test win

Bangladesh achieved Test status in 2000. This was the beginning of one of the greatest underdogs in international cricket, who later shocked the cricket community with some memorable performances and gave birth to future game legends.

Bangladesh has demonstrated to the world on numerous occasions that they are a team capable of accomplishing anything. Among the most memorable events are defeating India in the 2007 World Cup and eliminating England from the 2015 tournament. Bangladesh has fought hard and achieved historic victories in red-ball cricket, despite not being one of the most reliable teams in Test cricket.

Bangladesh’s journey started to show potential in Test cricket on January 10, 2005.

Prior to their 35th Test match, which they were scheduled to play against Zimbabwe at Chattogram, Bangladesh have yet to win their first Test match. The Zimbabwean team had greater international cricket experience and still possessed promising players like Brendan Taylor, Graeme Cremer, and Elton Chigumbura, even though they were well past their prime.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh chose to bat first and amassed a massive 488 in the first innings thanks to important contributions from captain Habibul Bashar (94 off 128 deliveries), Rajin Saleh (89 off 182 deliveries), Mohammad Rafique (69 off 98 deliveries), and Nafees Iqbal (56 off 122 deliveries). Khaled Mashud (49 off 120 deliveries) and Mashrafe Mortaza (48 off 44 deliveries) also made significant cameos.

In spite of strong innings from Tatenda Taibu (92 off 241 deliveries) and Chigumbura (71 off 164 deliveries), the Zimbabwean side attempted their best to rally and was ultimately bowled out for 312.

Bashar performed admirably, scoring a half-century to ensure that Bangladesh set a lofty total of 381 despite their hitters’ little struggles in the second innings. Zimbabwe was bowled out for 154 after making this enormous request, with Bangladeshi left-arm spinner Enamul Haque Jr. getting figures of 6/45. Because he won the match, he was also named the Player of the Match.

In their first-ever Test match, the home team prevailed by 226 runs.