Bangladesh failed with the bat in both innings, getting bowled out for just 191 runs in the first. Zimbabwe then took an 82-run lead. The Tigers continued their struggle in the second innings as well as they were all out for 255 runs.
After impressive bowling in both innings, Zimbabwe now have to chase a target of 174 runs. However, they’ll need to break a record to win — they've never chased more than 162 runs successfully in Test cricket. That record was set in 1998 when they beat Pakistan by 7 wickets chasing 162. Besides that, Zimbabwe has only two other successful chases of over 100 runs, and just five total wins when chasing in the fourth innings.
Play on Day 4, Wednesday (April 23), was scheduled to begin at 9:45 AM, but heavy overnight rain delayed preparations. The match eventually started at 11:00 AM.
Bangladesh suffered an early blow as Blessing Muzarabani dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto on the second ball of the day. Shanto scored 60 off 105 balls. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then joined Jaker Ali at the crease but failed to make an impact, scoring 11 off 16 balls before becoming Muzarabani’s fifth victim. This left Bangladesh in a tight spot at 211 for 6.
Taijul Islam was the third batter dismissed in the morning. Although Jaker Ali held firm at one end, wickets continued to tumble at the other. Jaker reached his half-century off 106 balls and played a key role in pushing Bangladesh’s lead past 150 with a gritty innings. Hasan Mahmud provided solid support, and their partnership added 35 runs off 91 balls.
Jaker Ali scored 58 runs off 111 balls, hitting one six and four fours. His dismissal brought an end to Bangladesh’s second innings at 255 runs. With an 82-run first innings deficit, Bangladesh set Zimbabwe a target of 174 runs to win.
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