Zimbabwe announce Test return in style

Zimbabwe celebrated in style after ending their six-year absence from Test cricket with a 130-run victory over Bangladesh in Harare on Monday. Rise, fall & rise

Zimbabwe celebrated in style after ending their six-year absence from Test cricket with a 130-run victory over Bangladesh in Harare on Monday.

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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.

Significant result
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.

"The fact is we wanted to win more than Bangladesh did. Our team really put themselves on the line," continued Taylor, who becomes only the seventh captain in cricket history to score a century on his Test debut.

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 impossible when Mohammad Ashraful was bowled by Brian Vitori for 39.

The two countries will now play a series of five ODI's, with the first coming at Harare Sports Club on Friday.

Brief scores: Zimbabwe 370 (Masakadza 104, Sibanda 78, Shakib 3/62) and 291 for 5 dec (Taylor 105*, Taibu 59); B'desh 287 (Ashraful 73, Vitori 4/66) and 244 (Razzak 43, Jarvis 4/61)