Najmul Hossain Shanto gritty hundred in the second innings & Taijul Islam 10fer propel Bangladesh to a150-run win against New Zealand their first ever test victory over the Black Caps on home soil.
It earned Bangladesh their second Test victory against New Zealand, with the first coming at Mount Maunganui in January 2022.
Chasing a target of 332, New Zealand were bowled out for 181, with Bangladesh taking a 1-0 in the two-match series. Earlier, New Zealand stuttered to reach 113-7 at stumps on the fourth day, still needing 219 runs for what looked like an improbable win. The Kiwis had taken a narrow seven-run lead in the first innings, but collapsed in the second innings after Najmul Hossain Shanto led from the front, smashing a ton to set the tone for his team.Resuming on the fifth and final day at 113-7 with another 219 runs needed for victory, New Zealand added 68 runs for their last three wickets, ending their second innings all out for 181 runs.
Entering day five of their match, New Zealand was faced with a challenging situation – they only had three wickets remaining, and were well behind the target. Daryl Mitchell and Ish Sodhi made a strong start to the day’s play.
Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough on the day, after New Zealand’s overnight batting pair of Daryl Mitchell and Ish Sodhi survived nine overs.
Mitchell top-edged Nayeem to Taijul at long leg after making 58.
Tim Southee and Sodhi entertained the sparse crowd with some counterpunches, putting on 46 runs for the ninth wicket in quick time, the highest partnership for New Zealand in the innings.However, after scoring 34, Southee was dismissed by Taijul Islam.
Southee was caught by Zakir Hasan at midwicket after making 34 off 24 balls, including a four and two sixes.The last ones standing were Ajaz Patel and Sodhi, who managed to postpone the inevitable outcome to some extent.
Taijul brought the curtain down on an entertaining contest soon after, when Sodhi gloved a catch to Zakir at silly point.
Taijul claimed the last two wickets to finish with 6-75, adding to his 4-109 in the first innings.
Najmul Hossain Shanto’s perfect start to captaincy
Speaking after the match, Shanto said he is focused on following the process, adding that their job is only half done and there’s still a long way to go.
“Credit goes to all the players. Taijul, Miraz, Shoriful, Nayeem – they bowled very well. Everyone enjoyed this match. We’re not thinking of result, just following the process. For me, first innings we could’ve scored 50-80 runs more.” said Shanto.
Disappointed New Zealand captain Tim Southee praised the hosts and called for more from his team.
“They played well. Our bowling group needs to create pressure for longer, batters need to stitch more partnerships, be better for longer,” he said.
The second Test of the series will be held in Dhaka between December 6 and 10.
The two-match series is the beginning of a new cycle in the World Test Championship for both teams.