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Bangladesh secured a historic win as they defeated New Zealand for the first time at home in Tests. The hosts recorded a 150-run win over their Kiwi counterparts on December 2 at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet. Bangladesh left-arm spinner Taijul Islam picked a 10-wicket haul in both innings to destroy the Kiwi batting line-up and helped his side register a win in the series opener.
This was Najmul Hossain Shanto’s first assignment as the Test captain of Bangladesh, where he led his side to a landmark win over the Kiwis. Not only this, but this also marked their second win in the last 18 matches. Bangladesh’s previous victory came when they defeated the Black Caps in 2022 in Mount Maunganui.
The Tigers have now taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match series as well as earned themselves WTC (World Test Championship) points. The hosts had the game in their favour right from the beginning as Shanto won the toss and let his side put the score on the board first. The Kiwis started off on a dominating note with Glenn Phillips’ 4-wicket haul and bundled out the Tigers at 310.
The Kiwis then got a seven-run lead, courtesy of Kane Williamson’s 104 along with Daryl Mitchell’s 41 and Glenn Phillips’s 42. Bangladesh’s Islam scalped four wickets to give his side some stability. In the second inning, Najmul’s century and Mushfiqur Rahim’s 67 helped the hosts set a target of 332 for their guests.
While the tourists were promising, Taijul’s spinning assault compelled the Kiwis to give up. He was awarded Player of the Match for his brilliant game.
