Bangladesh were dismissed for a woeful 126 in the Christchurch Test, conceding a lead of 395 runs and putting their chances of winning a Test series in jeopardy.
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Bangladesh headed into the Hagley Oval Test high on confidence and a chance to create history. They won the Bay Oval Test thanks to a fantastic display of bowling from Ebadot Hossain. The batsmen all chipped in at vital times and ensured New Zealand suffered their first home defeat since 2017. But, the advantage has now slipped away from the Bangladesh side in Christchurch. Tom Latham’s 252 and Devon Conway’s 109 helped New Zealand reach 521/6 declared. In response, the Bangladesh team was shot out for 126, a deficit of 395, and still three days to go.
New Zealand has not lost at the Hagley Oval since 2016 against Australia. Bangladesh was probably fooled by the green nature of the wicket in Christchurch and opted to bowl. The decision has proven costly. However, the failure of the top order to repeat their consolidation from the Bay Oval Test proved to be costly. This is the factor that Bangladesh batting coach Ashwell Prince has highlighted.
Read – Tom Latham reaches unique milestone after 252 vs Bangladesh
Bangladesh was reduced to 27/5 thanks to the early burst from Trent Boult and Tim Southee. It took a partnership of 50 between Yasir Ali and Nurul Hasan. Yasir scored 55 and Nurul chipped in with 41. Prince praised the duo for the fight but rued the rest of the batting order collapsing in a heap.
“t was tough for our batting line-up today. Obviously, New Zealand started well. They got the ball swinging. There were a few divots on the pitch as well. The pitch started a bit soft yesterday. It quickened up today. But the softness of yesterday left a few divots on the surface. They bowled really well today. Sohan (Nurul) played positively. He came forward nicely at the bowlers and got his front foot out to the pitch of the ball. He got his weight over the ball. Yasir, only playing his third Test, was unlucky to be caught down the leg-side at the Mount. He applied himself well in that gam, was solid in defence and decisive in attack,” Prince said.
Prince also praised the discipline of the New Zealand batters and hoped that Bangladesh starts day 3 on a positive note. “We learned from the Kiwis that they left a lot more balls outside the off-stump. It comes a little bit more naturally for the New Zealand batsmen. They play on bouncy surfaces. Our guys play at a lot more balls. I thought we left really well and played well off the back foot at the Mount. I think we can leave a few more balls outside the off-stump to make them bowl straighter at us. Of course, we are disappointed. It was a massive effort last week. We played 173 overs against a quality bowling attack,” Prince said.
