DHAKA, June 30, 2026 (BSS)—Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto identified their lackluster batting in the first innings as the chief reason for their crushing defeat in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe.

The visiting Bangladesh were folded for 140 in the first innings and then conceded a 270-run lead as Zimbabwe posted 410 despite a seven-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Taijul Islam.

Bangladesh eventually suffered an innings and 85-run defeat after being wrapped up for 185 in the second innings, giving Zimbabwe its biggest ever Test victory in their history.

"In the first innings, we didn't bat properly. That cost us the match,” Shanto said after the match.

“But with both batting and bowling, we didn't do well - especially in the first innings. We've been playing some good cricket,” he added.

Bangladesh were expected to win this Test after some brilliant performance in this format over the years.

Shanto admitted the condition was different but he was reluctant to put it as excuse. He rather insisted that the failure to execute the plan properly cost them the game.

 “The conditions here are different. But we didn't just execute our plans,” he clarified.

Bangladesh also were without their first choice bowling attack for this Test, a strategy Shanto said as the move to rest those key bowlers.

But the Bangladesh captain is confident to bounce back in the white-ball series, which included three ODIs and as many T20 Internationals.

“It is a part of the plan (to rest those players). We've been playing some brilliant cricket in white-ball cricket. So the boys are pretty confident," he added.

Zimbabwe captain Richard Ngarava, meanwhile, was over the moon after securing a victory on captaincy debut. Ngarava, himself, contributed handsomely in the victory with five wickets in the match.

"It's a nice feeling,” he said, praising the team effort they showed in the Test to beat an established Test nation like Bangladesh. 

“Everyone has to contribute something. Innocent Kaia batted brilliantly, Brian Bennet has been our best batters over the years. Pacer Newman Nyamhuri will be something big in the future for Zimbabwe. We’re looking forward to the one-dayers and taking it day by day.”

Innocent Kaia who was adjudged Player of the Match after hitting 140 in Zimbabwe’s only innings said his hard work paid the rich dividends.

 "The mantra was quite simple: put in the hard work... staying fit. It was a tough wicket to play on,” he said. 

“Credit to Bangladesh bowlers… I think they bowled well. But it was my game. I can only control my process but the outcome, I don't know," he added.