New Zealand clinch low-scoring second Test to level series against Bangladesh
Ajaz Patel spearheaded the Kiwi attack with six wickets, paving the way for victory as his batting teammates sealed the win
New Zealand defeated Bangladesh by four wickets during the fourth day of the second Test on Saturday, bringing the two-match series to a 1-1 tie.
Ajaz Patel spearheaded the Kiwi attack with six wickets, paving the way for victory as his batting teammates sealed the win.
In pursuit of 137 runs to secure victory on a challenging Mirpur's Sher-e- Bangla Stadium pitch, Bangladesh's Zakir Hasan battled to score 59. Despite this, the visiting team relied on Glenn Phillips' unbeaten 40 and Mitchell Santner's 35 not out to secure the win.
"It was a bit of scrap," New Zealand skipper Tim Southee said. "It's nice to come out on the right side of it.
"The guys trusted their ways. The way Phillips and Santner play, it's on the attacking side to the other players. And they did that."
Phillips survived an early scare when skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto dropped him without scoring. However, he composed himself after New Zealand found themselves at 69-6 before tea, constructing a crucial seventh-wicket partnership of 70 runs. This effort marked the Black Caps' first Test victory in Bangladesh in 15 years.
"We pride ourselves on fighting till the end and we did that," said man-of-the-match Phillips.
"Our spinners did incredibly well, also Tim. The Bangladesh boys came back with intent. To bring that back and to chase 137 was pleasing.
"The intent was there... Mitchell batted really well. He's got amazing hands, such a fluent player. Credit to him and all the boys."
Bangladesh had restarted from their overnight score of 38-2 but lost wickets inexpensively in the morning as spinners Patel (6-57) and Santner (3-51) capitalised on the turning conditions, putting pressure on the batters.
Patel struck twice in the 25th over, dismissing Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Nurul Hasan, leaving Bangladesh in a dire situation at 97-7. However, opener Zakir, who had minimal opportunities to score due to wickets falling at the other end, persisted.
Zakir guided Bangladesh past the 100-run mark, achieved his half-century with subdued celebrations, and then struck a massive six off Santner. Yet, Patel claimed his fifth victim when Zakir misjudged a sweep shot.
Before lunch, the hosts were all out for 144 on what effectively became the third day of a rain-affected match that lost an entire day's play.
On Friday, New Zealand fought back into the match, largely due to Phillips' resilient 87, granting them a slender eight-run lead after Bangladesh posted 172 in their first innings.
"The bowlers did a great job. Everyone chipped in the field as well," said Shanto. "There was an opportunity to win. I hope we learn from this match."
Bangladesh secured their inaugural test victory on home turf against New Zealand, winning the opening match by 150 runs in Sylhet.
They are now heading to New Zealand for three ODIs and an equal number of T20Is this month.
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