DHAKA: In a gripping showdown at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium, New Zealand’s spin duo, Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel showcased their prowess, claiming crucial wickets that saw Bangladesh wobbling at 80-4 by lunch on the opening day of the decisive second Test.
Opting to bat after winning the toss, Bangladesh aimed to capitalize on their 1-0 series lead and secure a historic Test series win against the formidable Black Caps. However, their aspirations hit an early snag as the Kiwi spinners orchestrated a remarkable collapse in the first session.
The Bangladeshi openers, Zakir Hasan and Mahmudul Hasan, appeared confident initially, building a promising 29-run partnership. Yet, the game swiftly turned in favour of New Zealand when Santner, drafted into the side in place of Ish Sodhi, made a pivotal breakthrough. His delivery saw Zakir departing after contributing just eight runs, lofting a catch to Kane Williamson stationed at mid-on.
Following Santner’s breakthrough, Patel joined the onslaught, adding to Bangladesh’s woes by dismissing Mahmudul for 14 runs, inducing a catch pouched by Tom Latham stationed at short leg.
The momentum firmly rested with the Kiwis as Tom Blundell exhibited his agility behind the stumps, snatching a sharp catch off Patel’s delivery, sending Mominul Haque back to the pavilion for a mere five runs.
Santner continued to assert his dominance, sealing the fate of the in-form skipper, Najmul Hossain Shanto, trapping him leg-before for a paltry nine runs. A dramatic review reversed the initial on-field decision, signalling Najmul’s departure and plunging Bangladesh further into despair.
Despite Bangladesh retaining their lineup from the triumphant 150-run victory in Sylhet during the first Test, the Kiwi spinners dictated terms, causing significant disruptions in the host’s batting order.
As lunch break ensued, Mushfiqur Rahim and Shahadat Hossain remained at the crease, tasked with the monumental challenge of resurrecting Bangladesh’s innings from a precarious position.
With the match delicately poised, the second Test promises an enthralling battle between bat and ball as both sides strive to gain the upper hand in this pivotal encounter.
