22 Apr 2013

Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh in first test

6:09 am on 22 April 2013

Brendan Taylor became just the third Zimbabwean batsman to score centuries in both innings of a test cricket match as his side completed a crushing victory over Bangladesh in the first test in Harare.

Set an unlikely 483 runs to win after Taylor had reached the landmark early on the fourth day, Bangladesh folded to 147 all out to lose by 335 runs inside four days.

Zimbabwe's bowlers required just 49 overs to knock over the tourists in their second innings, with fast bowler Kyle Jarvis doing the damage before leg spinner Graeme Cremer claimed 4 for 4 to wrap up the tail just after tea.

Having gone into the match as favourites, it was an embarrassing defeat for the tourists against their closest rivals, as Zimbabwe recorded their 10th Test victory and ensured, at worst, a share of the spoils in the two-match series.

Man of the match Taylor was the first Zimbabwean captain to score twin tons in the same Test and the third of any Zimbabwean batsman after brothers Grant and Andy Flower.

The second test gets underway on Thursday at the same venue.