Bangladesh will be aiming to secure their first-ever series win in New Zealand as they prepare to take the hosts on at Hagley Oval, the venue for Ross Taylor’s final match.
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Bangladesh is on the cusp of history heading into the second and final Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. Asian nations have traditionally struggled to win on a consistent basis in New Zealand. Pakistan has not won a Test in New Zealand since 2010. India has won only one Test in 45 years while Sri Lanka’s last win was 15 years ago. On the other hand, Bangladesh lost 43 matches across formats against New Zealand and were not favorites heading into the first Test.
However, Bangladesh scripted a magnificent turnaround to create history. Ebadot Hossain took 6/46 and boosted by fifties from Mominul Haque, Liton Das, and Mahmidul Joy, Bangladesh scripted an epic win. Now, heading into the second Test at the Hagley Oval, Bangladesh is on the cusp of history. But, head coach Russell Domingo has stated that the job is incomplete.
“They’re halfway there, the job’s not done, but they’re very driven to try and achieve something very special. It’s a young side so they don’t come here with all the scars that some of the older players have gained from playing against New Zealand so many times,” Domingo stated.
Read – Ebadot Hossain: Bangladesh Air Force Pilot who excelled in Volleyball but gave Cricket Glory
The Hagley Oval is a strong venue for New Zealand. They have not lost at the venue since 2016, when Australia got the better of them. The venue will also be the last time Ross Taylor will play an international Test match. Taylor had announced before the series that the Tests against Bangladesh and the ODIs against Australia and Netherlands will be his last.
New Zealand skipper Tom Latham believes that the pitch in Christchurch will assist his pacers a lot more than the one at Bay Oval. The wicket in Christchurch has a good covering of grass. This might help Trent Boult, Tim Southee, Neil Wagner, and Kyle Jamieson a lot more. But, Domingo is not intimidated by the fact and states Bangladesh have the necessary resources.
“We’ve got some really quality fast bowlers at the moment and it’s not often Bangladesh can say that they’re actually looking forward to bowling on a wicket that has got a bit of grass on it. Opportunities like this don’t come around very often. You’re confident, you’re playing well and you’ve got a good balance to your side at the moment and conditions, as crazy as it might sound, could actually suit us. It’s not often that Bangladesh can say they are looking forward to bowling on a wicket that has grass on it. We got three high-quality fast bowlers and are confident. If we do get into the wicket early and it offers something, hopefully, we can do some damage,” Domingo said.
