Zimbabwe celebrated in style after ending their six-year absence from Test cricket with a 130-run victory over Bangladesh here on Monday. The jubilant home team had set the tourists a daunting target of 375 to win, and secured the victory when Kyle Jarvis trapped Robiul Islam lbw for 12 to end Bangladesh's second innings on 244.
Zimbabwe had made 370 in their first innings, helped on their way by a fine 104 from Hamilton Masakadza. After ending Bangladesh's reply on 287, the hosts then reached 291 for five in their second innings, including an unbeaten century from Brendan Taylor, before declaring at tea on Sunday.
The result was of major significance to Zimbabwe on their return to Test cricket after a self-imposed six year absence from the game, and the players cracked open the champagne bottles in celebration as they made their way off the field. "We feel totally justified now at returning to Tests," said Taylor, who was named man of the match in his first Test as captain after following up his first innings 71 with 105 not out in the second innings. This victory may have been recorded against the lowest-ranked Test-playing nation, but Zimbabwe can now look forward to further one-off Test matches at home to Pakistan next month and in New Zealand in the New Year.
Bangladesh began the day on 112 for three, still chasing another 263 for victory, and they retained some hope of pulling off a stunning fightback on a wicket that remained ideal for batting. However, their task began to look like an impossible one when Mohammad Ashraful was bowled by Brian Vitori for 39. Zimbabwe and Bangladesh now play a series of five ODIs, with the first coming at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

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Zimbabwe 1st innings:                 370
Bangladesh 1st innings:               287
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Zimbabwe 2nd innings: 291-5 dec
Bangladesh 2nd innings (overnight 112-3)
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T. Iqbal b Mpofu                       43
Kayes c Taibu b Jarvis                 31
S. Nafeez b Jarvis                      9
M. Ashraful v Vitori                   39
M. Rahim c Ervine b Mpofu              28
Mahmudullah c Taibu b Mpofu            11
S. Al Hassan c Taylor b Chigumbura      6
A. Razzak b Chigumbura                 43
S. Islam b Jarvis                       7
R. Hossain not out                      8
R. Islam lbw b Jarvis                  12
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Extras: (4b, 2lb, 1nb)                  7
Total: (57.3 overs, 272 mins)         244
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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 (1nb); Price 2-0-20-0.
Result: Zimbabwe win by 130 runs.
Toss: Bangladesh.
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI), Bruce Oxenford (AUS).
TV umpire: Jeremiah Matibiri (ZIM).
Match referee: Roshan Mahanama (SRI).