In an exciting ending to the first Test of the series, Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by three wickets, with Blessing Muzarabani's fiery performance being a big part of the win.  The 27-year-old quick bowler shook up the Tigers by taking 9 wickets in two innings. Captain Craig Ervine praised him highly, and he was a key part of Zimbabwe's rare foreign win.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Zimbabwe captain Craig Ervine credited his team’s collective effort, but especially highlighted Muzarabani’s disciplined and lethal bowling. “Blessing was our strike bowler throughout this Test,” Ervine stated. “We wanted to use him in short, sharp spells. He kept things tight, remained compact, and delivered exactly what we needed—especially when it mattered most.”

He also acknowledged the solid support from fellow pacers Richard Ngarava and Victor Nyauchi, as well as the spinners who kept things economical through the middle overs.

Reflecting on the crucial breakthrough on day four—dismissing Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in the very first over—Ervine emphasized how that moment set the tone, “Obviously we wanted to get early wickets, and I think getting Shanto out as early as that in the first over was great for us. We did feel like we needed to get a few early wickets, not in the first over. I thought the way Blessing [Muzarabani] started was outstanding, and it gave us that opportunity to really put the squeeze on.”

Though Bangladesh showed late resistance through Jaker Ali Anik, Zimbabwe held their nerve under pressure. It wasn’t all calm for the visitors. Ervine admitted that things got tense during the final phase, “Obviously the change room was nervous. I think being in these positions is not familiar for us as well, chasing in the fourth inning. So there were some nerves in the change room, and I think it's more nerves of wanting to get over the line, wanting that win more than anything else.”

Muzarabani, who has become a familiar face in both international cricket and T20 leagues around the world, is now proving his value in the longer format as well. Ervine believes this Test is just the beginning. “He's got the experience not only just in Red Ball now, but I think also in White Ball, playing various league and stuff. So he's certainly got the experience, and I think he's got the mindset and he's shown his ability. So I'm really excited to see where he goes with his career, not only at Test cricket, but I think in all formats.”