We are not familiar being in these sort of positions - Ervine

Zimbabwe skipper Craig Ervine admitted there were nerves in the dressing room, given their unfamiliarity with chasing and winning a Test match, a feat they achieved in the opening game against Bangladesh to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Zimbabwe edged past Bangladesh by three wickets in a thrilling finish on the fourth day of the first Test in Sylhet, chasing down 174, their highest successful run chase in Test cricket. The win marked Zimbabwe's first Test victory since 2021 and their fourth overseas Test triumph, with the previous one also coming against Bangladesh at the same venue in 2018.

"The change room is going to be nervous. We are not familiar being in these sort of positions, chasing in the fourth innings," Ervine told reporters following their win. "It was more nerves of wanting to get over the line, wanting the win more than anything else."

Bangladesh started the day at 194/4 in their second innings, with Najmul Hossain Shanto and Jaker Ali at the crease. But they lost wickets in a heap, slipping to 213/7 and were later bowled out for 255. Blessing Muzarabani was the star performer with the ball, finishing with 6-72 in the second innings to go with his three-wicket haul in the first.

"We wanted to get early wickets. Getting Shanto out as early as that in the first over, was great for us. I thought the way Bless started was outstanding. He gave us the opportunity to put the squeeze on. Jaker Ali played a really good role at the bottom end," Ervine said.

"We expected there to be a little bit of grass. We saw that in the game against Sri Lanka (last year). Looking at the history in Sylhet, there is a possibility of preparing turning wickets. We saw a bit of grass in the few days of practice here. We weren't too sure how it was going to play. We felt that seamers would play a big role in it," Ervine said.

Ervine was lavish in his praise of Muzarabani, who picked up 9-122 in the match, and in the process equalled Heath Streak's record for the fastest Zimbabwean to 50 Test wickets.

"Blessing was our strike bowler in this Test match. I was giving him short bursts. I thought Richie [Richard Ngarava] and Vicky [Victor Nyauchi] had important roles holding the attack. Welly [Wessly Madhevere] bowled well too. In between those spells, it was important not to leak too many runs. When Blessing came back and bowled in the majority of his spells, he caused a lot of problems," he said.

"I think he'd( Blessing) be up there. He has the experience through red ball and playing various leagues. He has the mindset. He has shown his ability. I am really excited to see where he goes in his career in all formats," added Ervine.

Ervine was confident that this win would be the first of many, expressing hope that his team could continue to grow from strength to strength. "I think the more Tests you can win, you will be on the radar. As tough as Tests are, it is what every player wants to play and get better at. It really does test you over four or five days.

"The smaller teams want to play good hard Test cricket against tough opposition. That's the only way you will improve as a team. We are really confident after winning a Test match. You know that you can get over the line. We have to reassess in Chittagong. Our mindset is going to be extremely crucial, especially after winning in Sylhet," the Zimbabwe captain said.

The second Test is scheduled in Sylhet from April 28.