Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
CHEVRONS dominated Bangladesh with both bat and ball in the Only Test match at Harare Sports Club this Sunday.
Newman Nyamhuri produced the defining spell of his young Test career, doubling his wicket tally in just his fifth Test, before Innocent Kaia’s unbeaten knock put Zimbabwe in a strong position of a dominant first-innings lead against Bangladesh on day one of the Only Test at Harare Sports Club.
Going into the match with just six Test wickets from his first four appearances, the 20-year-old left-arm seamer delivered a career-defining performance, claiming four wickets to almost double his tally and spearhead Zimbabwe’s impressive bowling display.
Nyamhuri removed Mahmudul Hasan Joy and the experienced Mominul Haque before returning to wrap up the tail, finishing with outstanding figures of four for 42 as Bangladesh were dismissed for just 191.
New Test captain Richard Ngarava made an immediate impact with two wickets, including a superb yorker that shattered Mushfiqur Rahim’s stumps, while Blessing Muzarabani and Brad Evans claimed two wickets each to complete a disciplined all-round bowling effort.
“It was a good day, think we were vindicated going with four seamers, and that pitch offered a lot for the bowlers, especially early on, and we did well, 17 maidens also allowed Newman (Nyamhuri) to play his attacking game,” Chevrons bowler Brad Evans said.
Zimbabwe then carried that momentum into their batting innings, openers Ben Curran and Innocent Kaia laid a solid platform before Curran departed for 44.
Kaia, however, stood firm, producing one of the finest innings of his young Test career. He remained unbeaten on 76, surpassing his previous highest Test score and guiding Zimbabwe to 137 for one at stumps.
Bangladesh, however, still believes they are firmly in the match with four days to go.
“We did not play well today, but this is a test match, and it is all about momentum. We have to come back and get early wickets, utilising the dew on the wicket, and we will be back into it,” Bangladesh batsman Momimul Haque said.
The hosts will resume day two needing just four runs to take the first-innings lead, with nine wickets still in hand and firmly in control of the contest.
