Bangladesh create history, defeat world champions New Zealand in first Test

Bangladesh created history against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday after beating the Kiwis by 8 wickets in the first Test of the two-match series. Chasing a target of just 40 runs in the second innings, Bangladesh lost an early wicket after Shadman Islam was out for 3. 

But Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mominul Haque first steadied the ship with a partnership of 31 runs and then the skipper along with Mushfiqur Rahim took the team over the line. Shanto was undone for 17 by Jamieson but his departure didn’t really put much impact as the visitors were in cruise control. 

Earlier, New Zealand began the day at 147/5 with Ross Taylor and Rachin Ravindra at the crease but the home side couldn’t really add much runs to the tally and were bowled out for 169 in the second innings. 

Taylor was the first batsman to be sent back in the pavilion for 40 and the hosts then witnessed a collapse to eventually get bowled out. Ebadot Hossain eventually returned with figures of 6/46 while Taskin Ahmed had three scalps to his name. 

Hossain who was adjudged man of the match for his performance and expressed his joy on the win. He also mentioned about the long wait that the Asian side had to see before this victory. 

“We have come here for the last 11 years and not won a game. When we came this time, we set a goal and we said to ourselves we can do it. New Zealand are Test Champions and if we beat them then it will inspire the next generation to do the same. I have been working hard with Ottis Gibson,” he said after the match. 

“The conditions are too flat in Bangladesh and we are still learning how to bowl away from home. I am a soldier of Bangladesh and know how to celebrate (after a wicket). My journey from volleyball to cricket is a long story. I am enjoying my cricket,” he added. 

The two sides will now lock horns in the second match slated to begin on January 9, 2022 in Christchurch.