(Cricket news) Bangladesh will step on Hagley Oval to play their chances for a first series win in New Zealand. Bangladesh had shocked the world Test champions in the 1st test with pacers and batters doing their stunts with the ball. The second Test will begin tomorrow as both sides have few must do tasks.
Bangladesh have recorded their first win over New Zealand at their home turf as the Black Caps were undefeated for 17 successive tests at home but now, Mominul Haque will have to lead his men once again as the hosts haven’t lost a Test at Hagley Oval in 5 years as they will look to keep records intact this time.
Haque picked up two crucial wickets in the first innings as the spinners and pacers shared the glory. In the second innings, it was all pacers doing the damage and they will need to fire once again to keep the Kiwi batters at bay. Ebadot Hossain took care of the top order in the second innings as he took 6 wickets for 46 runs which is the second best by a Bangladeshi pacer.
Bangladesh batters were also impressive as two batters stood for more than 200 balls and two more players lasted for more than 100 balls. Even the lower order batters kept their defensive shields intact as the team stood together with the bat, something which does not happen once in a while. Haque couldn’t have done a better job of being a captain as he lasted 244 balls while scoring 88 runs and missing out on a deserving 12th hundred.
The New Zealand side would want to avoid a series defeat and also give a winning farewell to Ross Taylor who will play his last Test match. The side’s batters did a decent job in the first innings as the bowlers struggled to break through the barricades of the opposition. Trent Boult and Neil Wagner did take out half the team but by then it was too late. Boult needs four more wickets for 300 wickets as he will play his 75th match tomorrow.
Tim Southee alongside Kyle Jamieson will have to strike in the match as they have a strong pace line up along with Boult and Wagner. The four pacers will be trying to stop Bangladesh creating history as the batters should guard their crease for a longer period of time.
Taylor is set to become the joint most capped player in his team’s history in Tests as former all rounder Daniel Vettori had played 112 Tests. There are multiple tasks for both the teams but winning is the most important one as the rest can wait.
Also read: Bangladesh's win in NZ will change notion that team is dependent only on senior players: Shakib
