by: Atika Mehboob TN Sport Pakistan:
In an impressive display of spin bowling, Taijul Islam claimed his second 10-wicket haul in Tests, propelling Bangladesh to a convincing 150-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test in Sylhet on Saturday. This win gives Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Resuming on the fifth and final day at 113-7, with 219 runs needed for victory, New Zealand added 68 runs for their last three wickets, concluding their second innings all out for 181 runs.
Taijul finished with figures of 6-75 in the second innings, adding to his 4-109 in the first innings. Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan provided the initial breakthrough on the final day, dismissing Daryl Mitchell for 58.
Despite a resilient stand from Tim Southee and Ish Sodhi, who put on 46 runs for the ninth wicket, Taijul’s timely strikes secured Bangladesh’s triumph. Southee’s aggressive knock of 34 off 24 balls, including a four and two sixes, ended with a catch by Zakir Hasan at midwicket.
The final blow came when Sodhi, attempting to counter Taijul, gloved a catch to Zakir at silly point. This victory marks Bangladesh’s second Test win against New Zealand, with the first occurring at Mount Maunganui in January 2022.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored a century in the second innings, praised the team’s efforts, especially Taijul, Nayeem Hasan, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan.
“Credit goes to all the players, especially Taijul, Nayeem, Shoriful (Islam), and Mehidy (Hasan),” said Najmul Hossain Shanto, becoming the fourth Bangladesh captain to win his first match in charge. “Everyone enjoyed this match. We weren’t thinking about the result,” he added in the post-match presentation.
While disappointed, New Zealand captain Tim Southee acknowledged Bangladesh’s performance and called for improvements 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,” Southee commented.
The second Test of the series is scheduled to take place in Dhaka between December 6 and 10, marking the beginning of a new cycle in the World Test Championship for both teams.
