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ZIMBABWE had gone into the game at the Sylhet International Stadium as the underdogs, but came off with a sensational performance to seal a 151-run victory against the home team

Head coach, Lalchand Rajput, believes his side’s remarkable win over Bangladesh in the first of the two-match Test series will be the start of a new journey for cricket in Zimbabwe.

“This will definitely revive Zimbabwean cricket. We have started believing that we cannot only win at home, but we can win abroad as well. This is the first step and we need to kick on from here. The way we came back after the ODI series 3-0 whitewash, we were really prepared for it. I’m happy that the boys have done justice to their talent. It’s a great day for us,” said Rajput yesterday.

The former Indian cricketer credited the Zimbabwe cricketers for making the winning effort despite the biggest of the Test playing nations struggling in Bangladeshi conditions. Zimbabwe were patient and watchful with both bat and ball to achieve victory in three-and-half-days of play.

“Even big Test playing countries come here and struggle to beat Bangladesh in Bangladesh. It’s a huge win for us, psychologically,” Rajput said.

“Teams around the world will know that Zimbabwe is getting back to being the team they were earlier. If you look at Zimbabwean cricket in the 90s, they had a fantastic team. This win will definitely revive that; bring the confidence of players, and I think it’s a great thing for the Zimbabwe board, because the board has really persisted with these players. They have been patient, and now the day has come. I’m sure everyone back home, the Zimbabwe board, the public and the whole country will be proud of this,” he added. – Dhaka Tribune