The second Test venue of the country erupted into ecstasy when Enamul Haque got rid of the last Zimbabwe batsman Christopher Mpofu and with that Bangladesh registered their maiden Test triumph in 35th appearance, ending a long wait of millions for glory.

The second grand celebration in 14 days began when Mohammad Ashraful plucked the red cherry in mid-air not only to seal an historic victory but also gave the young left-arm spinner his sixth wicket in the second innings.

The 18-year-old Enamul finished with 6-45, the best bowling figures by any Bangladeshi cricketer, as Zimbabwe, resuming the fifth and final day on 46-3, were all out for 154 just before tea.

The dismissal of Mpofu sparked off what is sure to be the most memorable party for the Tigers, who only recently won their first one-day match against India on home soil.

But winning a Test after more than four years since their inaugural match against India in November 2000 is like winning an Olympic medal for the success-starved nation.

The victory also put to rest the brewing criticism on Bangladesh's cricketing credentials.

And it was fitting that Habibul Bashar proudly carried the red and green flag during an instant lap of honour with the rest converging from all corners of the stadium to have a feel of the heroes.

Tears of joy rolled down each cricketer's cheeks as a new era had definitely started for the tenth Test-playing nation following 31 losses and only three draws.

Zimbabwe, needing another 335 runs for an improbable victory, put up a good resistance in the first hour of the day, adding 66 runs without losing any wicket. But once Enamul, who went wicket-less in the first innings, was introduced into the attack the ball behaved like a spitting cobra and the tourists succumbed swiftly, losing their last seven wickets for 42 runs.

The victory was a fantastic team effort with the youngest member of the squad, who stood out among other star performers, giving the finishing touch to a job that was began by the experienced ones who kept Bangladesh on course for a victory in five days.

Captain Habibul Bashar with two half-centuries, Rajin Saleh with a strong 89, Nafees Iqbal with his second Test half-century, Khaled Mashud's useful 49, Mohammad Rafique's blistering 69 and first innings five-wicket haul, Tapash Baisya's early breaks in both innings and above all, Mashrafee-Bin-Mortuza's emergence as a quality all-rounder with an explosive 48 in the first innings and five wickets carved out Bangladesh greatest moment.

Bangladesh will go into the second and final Test in Dhaka on January 14, eyeing a series victory.

The day was also special for coach Dav Whatmore, the Sri Lankan-born Australian who has been an immense source of inspiration for cricketers since June 2003.

Meanwhile, President Iajuddin Ahmed, Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina congratulated the team for much-awaited victory.

(More reports on Sport page)