Bangladesh VS New Zealand Test Series
2nd Test Played at SBNCS, Meerpoor, Dhaka on 6-10 December 2023
Brief Scorecard at Stumps, Day one.
Bangladesh 1st Innings 172 All Out in 66.2 Overs (Mushfiqur Rahim 35, Shahadat Hosen Dipu 31, Mehidy Hasan Miraj 20, Glen Philips 3/ 31, Mitchell Santnar 3/65, Aijaz Patel 2/54)
New Zealand 1st Innings 55/5 in 12. 4 Overs (Ken Williamson 13, Daryl Mitchell 12*, Mehidy Miraj 3/17, Taijul Islam 2/29)
New Zealand trail by 117 runs in the first Innings with 5 wickets at hand
Bangladesh running the risk the risk of getting demerits points for SBNCS wicket successfully trapped Black Caps on a batting track turning square from the first hour of the day one. Despite losing 4 top order wickets in the first session Bangladesh managed scoring 172 in the first innings. New Zealand top order got blown away against penetrative Bangladesh spin attack. When bad light stopped play black caps were tottering at 55/5. The wicket will get slower and slower as match progresses. If Bangladesh managing a sizeable lead in the first innings can set the visitors a target of 250 plus to chase it may win the test and earn a series whitewash by the 4th day.
Home team prepares wicket to suit their strength. But it is not advisable preparing a wicket that turns square from the first session of day one. BCB learnt no lessons getting demerit points for SBNCS wicket in the past. Playing on such a track Bangladesh will struggle adjusting with fast wickets seaming, bouncing, and swinging in New Zealand where they play white ball cricket in a couple of weeks.
Bangladesh winning the toss and appearing with the unchanged team ran into trouble early on losing 4/47 by the 15th over. Wicket was difficult alright but Shanto, Joy, Zakir could be more careful in their approach. Mushfique and Shahadat applying themselves somewhat steadied the rocking boat adding 57 runs in the 5th wicket partnership. Suddenly a brain freezes of experienced Mushfique appearing in his 88th test got out handling the ball. He became the first Bangladeshi batsman and 8th overall in the test history getting out in the fashion. Bangladesh huffed and puffed getting up to 172 all out. Shahadat Hosen Dipu showing promise yet again failed to convert his start to a big innings. Glen Philips ( 3/31) ,Mitchell Santnar (3/65 ) and Aijaz Patel (2/54) restricted Bangladesh exploiting the turn and uneven bounce of the wicket.
It was anticipated that on such track Kiwi batsmen will struggle against world class spin duo Mehidy Miraj (3/17) and Taijul Islam ( 2/29) . But it was beyond imagination that Kiwis would struggle scoring 55/5 in only 12.4 overs. The situation could be still worse if stumps were not drawn a bit earlier for bad lights . Bangladesh bowlers were breathing fire and fielders were looking for like hunting deer.
The wicket will get slower and lower as match progresses. Bangladesh has already moved to driver’s seat. Unless something dramatic happens Bangladesh should win the test and wrap up the series from here. But can not say it is a smart strategy preparing such a wicket for winning matches. It does not auger well for sustainable development of cricket of Bangladesh.
BDST: 1953 HRS, DEC 06, 2023
MSK
