On this day in 2005 – Bangladesh celebrate their first-ever Test victory

January 10, 2005, was a historic day in Bangladesh Cricket’s history. The Tigers, in their 35th Test, finally managed to crack the code to win a Test match. MA Aziz Stadium in Chattogram (previously Chittagong) witnessed historic scenes after Enamul Haque Jnr dismissed Christopher Mpofu on the final day of the Test.

It all started with Bangladesh skipper Habibul Bashar winning the toss and opting to bat first. As many as four batsmen from the home side, Nafees Iqbal (56), Bashar (94), Rajin Saleh (89) and Mohammad Rafique (69) slammed half-centuries to propel the team’s score to a mammoth 488.

In response, Zimbabwe recovered from 86/5 to post a decent first innings total of 312 thanks to their skipper Tatenda Taibu who scored 92 runs. Elton Chigumbura supported him well with a 71-run knock. Rafique starred with the ball for the hosts with a five-wicket haul as Bangladesh secured a huge lead of 176 runs.

With time running out, Bangladesh tried to accumulate quick runs in the second innings but lost wickets quickly in the process. Nevertheless, they managed to score 204/9 in 51.1 overs before declaring the innings and setting an improbable target of 381 runs for Zimbabwe.

The visitors crumbled under pressure on the final day as apart from Hamilton Masakadza (56) and Brendan Taylor (44), no other player could spend much time in the middle. Enamul Haque was the wrecker-in-chief this time around returning with a sensational six-wicket haul as Zimbabwe were skittled for only 154 runs in the 65th over.

As soon as the final wicket fell, the Bangladesh team and the crowd were ecstatic and the Tigers have never looked back since then. Rather they have made their home a sort of fortress in the longest format and are striving to improve their performances in away Tests.