Bangladesh clinched the maiden Test win against New Zealand, squashing them compressively by 150 runs in the first Test match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bagged six wickets, and completed a 10-wicket haul to ridicule the visitors as they crushed on 181 runs in the chase of 322 runs.
Unlike other significant victories on home soil against big teams with the likes of Australia and England, came in a rage turner in Mirpur, this win against the Kiwis was scripted in a sporting pitch which offered something for pacers, spinners and batters.
However, Bangladesh have been at their lowest ebb following a disastrous World Cup campaign and came into this match without the top guns, showed a performance of ages to take the match in their favour.
Taijul followed his 4-109 with 6-75 in the second innings to wrap up New Zealand innings for 181 in the first session of day five, while chasing a target of 332. Taijul hit the final nail on New Zealand's coffin and as they were bundled out. Taijul ended with a match-figure of 10-184, his second 10-wicket haul in a Test match as New Zealand found them wanting in a relentless spin attack. Two of the final three wickets for the day went to Taijul, and Nayeem Hasan collected the third one.
Bangladesh had earlier given up a seven-run advantage in the opening innings. With a century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and two fifties from Mehedi Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim, the Tigers managed to set an uphill target of 332 runs. On the fourth day, the visitors stuttered their way to 113-7 at stumps.
In the morning session, Tigers clinched victory in less than ninety minutes. Kiwis’leading scorer Daryll Mitchell (58) was the first batter to be dismissed and their last three batters only managed to add another 68 runs.
With opener Tom Latham out of the contest before a single run was scored, New Zealand could not find any momentum in the second innings.
From then on, wickets fell on regular intervals. At tea on day four, Taijul had quickly removed danger man Kane Williamson by trapping him lbw for 11. Then, Mehidy Hasan Miraz had dismissed Henry Nicholls for 2, leaving New Zealand reeling at 37-3.
With an unlikely 219 runs still to be scored, their entire top and middle order were in the dressing room. Bangladesh, thus far have been successful in the third cycle of the ICC Test Championship. Additionally, this is their second victory in the competition; their first came in 2021 in Mount Maunganui against the same opponents during the second cycle.
After defeating New Zealand in their second-ever Test match, the hosts will now be aiming for a series victory. The second Test is scheduled for December 6 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
