Bangladesh’ batting in recent times in all formats have been disappointing. However, in the first Test match against New Zealand in Mount Maunganui, Bangladesh batters showed immaculate batting which comprised of class, patience and brilliance.
After bowling out New Zealand for 328 in the first innings, Bangladesh in their first innings have now scored 401/6 and are now leading by 73 runs after the end of Day 3 on Monday. Bangladesh team probably enjoyed the best two days of their Test cricket in New Zealand soil so far. They batted more than 150 overs and scored more than 400 runs and they are yet to be all out against a fiery bowling attack of the Kiwis.
Skipper Mominul Haque led from the front with his 244-ball 88. He was given proper support by Liton Das with his 177-ball 86. The 158-run partnership between the pair have put the Tigers in a firm position from where they can think of taking something from this Test match. However, the task is not done yet rest of the batters must make sure Bangladesh do not fall apart and second innings bowling will also be pivotal for Tigers if they want to pull out a surprise.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque and Liton Das— all had a good chance to register their maiden century in New Zealand, but they fell short. Despite that agony, Bangladesh are far ahead of the hosts in this Test, at least, at this stage.
Earlier, Joy fell for 78 after adding only eight to his overnight total while Mominul remained firm at the other end of the wicket.
It was Joy’s maiden fifty in Test cricket. Before this match, he played only one Test. The 21-year-old batter was one of the best in the world during his U-19 cricketing days. He had a century in the last U-19 World Cup that Bangladesh won beating India in the final.
Mushfiqur Rahim failed to impress as he fell for 12 off 53 balls.
In the next wicket stand, Liton joined Mominul and made New Zealand bowlers toil. Mominul registered his 15th fifty in Test, and right after that, Liton recorded his 11th fifty in the format.
After Mominul, Trent Boult also removed Liton for 86. The onus was on Yasir Ali and Mehidy Hasan Miraz to survive the day playing all the remaining overs, and they successfully did that. This pair batted more than 10 overs and survived the day ensuring a 73-run first innings lead.