Bangladesh defied all odds and beat New Zealand by 150 runs in the first BAN vs NZ Test in Sylhet. Entering the fifth day, Bangladesh required only three wickets to wrap up the Test. It did not take a lot of time for the hosts to dismiss the three Kiwi batters and record a thumping win. With one more Test match to go, the hosts have ensured themselves of a series draw, or a series win.
On a spin-friendly Sylhet track, off-spinner Taijul Islam starred with the ball in hand by picking six wickets and helped Bangladesh bundle the visitors for just 181. In the first innings also, Taijul picked up four wickets to cap off a memorable maiden 10-fer. This win has enabled Bangladesh to jump to the second spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table.
The hosts, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, elected to bat first after winning the toss, setting the stage for an exhilarating clash.
Despite Bangladesh’s top-order making strides in favorable batting conditions, New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips turned the tide with a remarkable 4/53. From a solid position at 180/2, Bangladesh stumbled, eventually posting a total of 310 all out. Kane Williamson’s century (104), complemented by contributions from Daryl Mitchell (41) and Glenn Phillips (42), guided the tourists to a slender seven-run lead. Notable performances from Taijul Islam (4/109) and batter Mominul Haque (3/4) kept Bangladesh in the game.
The second innings saw a resilient century from skipper Najmul and a commendable fifty by Mushfiqur Rahim (67), enabling Bangladesh to set a challenging target of 332. The contest took a dramatic turn as the tourists succumbed to Bangladesh’s spin, folding for 181 despite a late resistance from the rearguard. Taijul Islam showcased his brilliance once again, claiming 6/75.
This victory marked only the second Test for Bangladesh at Mirpur, with the venue’s debut witnessing a defeat against Zimbabwe in the previous game. Notably, Taijul Islam had delivered a career-best performance with figures of 11/170 in that encounter.
With the series poised delicately, the anticipation builds for the second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand (BAN vs NZ) scheduled to commence on 6 December in Mirpur. Cricket enthusiasts can expect another thrilling chapter in this riveting battle between the two cricketing nations.
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