Zimbabwe versus Bangladesh: is it a friend-foe relationship?
Undoubtedly, there is an exciting rivalry between these two ‘friends’ who have always needed each other. This friendly rivalry is set to bring us another chapter with two Test matches scheduled from April 20-24 and April 28-May 2 in the subcontinent.
Where should I begin with the tales of the Chevrons and Tigers?
Perhaps starting with their last meeting is a good idea for context, even though it was less dramatic than many previous encounters between the two teams.
Zimbabwe last faced Bangladesh in a One-Off Test in 2021 in Harare. This match is mostly remembered for Mahmudullah’s surprising retirement from Test cricket, which he announced on day three. He left the format in style, scoring 150 runs while batting at number eight and leading Bangladesh to their fifth overseas Test win at that time.
The numbers surrounding the Zimbabwe and Bangladesh Tests are quite exciting.
Their first-ever meeting, played at Queens Sports Club in 2001, was the 1543rd Test match in cricket history; it was also Zimbabwe’s 49th Test and Bangladesh’s second. To date, they have played 18 Tests against each other, with Zimbabwe winning 7, losing 8, and having three draws. This total of 18 Tests is the third-most Zimbabwe has played against any team, trailing only Pakistan (19 matches) and Sri Lanka (20 matches).
So, where is the friendship in all this?
Bangladesh’s first overseas Test tour was to Zimbabwe in 2001, and just seven months later, Zimbabwe reciprocated by giving Bangladesh their first home series with more than one Test match.
Today, Bangladesh is statistically a stronger Test team than Zimbabwe, and they needed Zimbabwe’s assistance to transform into the formidable Tigers they have become. Millions of Bangladesh cricket followers will never forget January 10, 2005, at 12:53 PM, when Enamul Haque took the wicket of Christopher Mpofu, leading Bangladesh to their maiden Test win after 31 defeats and three draws.
In 2011, Zimbabwe needed Bangladesh for what became known as the Comeback Test. After a six-year absence from Test cricket, Zimbabwe returned to the format with a 130-run victory at Harare Sports Club. In 2018, Zimbabwe won the first Test of their two-match series against Bangladesh, marking their third overseas Test victory at that time.
There have been moments of individual brilliance from both teams, but I’ll admit I have a bias toward Zimbabwe. Fast bowler Andy Blignaut’s Test hat trick in 2004 remains an outstanding achievement, while the best Test bowling figures by a Zimbabwean away from home belong to Douglas Hondo, who took 6 wickets for 59 runs in Dhaka in 2005.
Bangladesh is also where Regis Chakabva became the fourth black Zimbabwean to score a Test century back in 2014. Additionally, it’s the country where Tatenda Taibu recorded his first Test hundred, which remains his highest Test score of 153, achieved in 2005. Similarly, Hamilton Masakadza reached his career-best score of 158 in Bangladesh.
Zimbabwe enjoys playing against Bangladesh, and the feeling is mutual.
The Chevrons versus the Tigers is a rivalry we cherish as well. There are many more stories about these two teams, and I hope to share more from the perspective of those involved. But for now, we eagerly await the next episode of their encounters.