New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st Test Day 4: Ebadot Hossain's spell in the second innings left NZ on the backfoot, with a BAN win a real possibility.
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The penultimate day of the New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st Test saw the visitors continue to assert their dominance. This is despite a batting collapse that saw them lose their last 4 wickets for just 57 runs.
Still, they ended the first innings with a lead of 120 runs. And it was that lead that helped them get on the front foot by the day’s end. Of course, the main talking point of the second innings so far is Bangladesh pacer Ebadot Hossain.
The 27-year old claimed four wickets in the second innings, ensuring New Zealand ended the day at 147-5. He got the big wickets of Devon Conway, Will Young, Henry Nicholls and Tom Blundell.
What’s more, three of those four dismissals came in the space of two overs – and at a time when the hosts looked to be gaining a foothold back in the game.
Young and Ross Taylor, who remained at the crease at stumps, put together a 50-run stand that steadied the ship after two wickets fell. There was a feeling that, if they could bat long, a draw might be in the offing.
Indeed, the pitch was such that it might have been possible. The slow nature of the track meant that, despite some uneven bounce, the two could dig in and stand firm.
However, all of that changed thanks to a rush of blood moment from Young. Ebadot bowled a back of the length delivery and Young swung hard across the line of the ball.
It was a good shot to play – on a pitch with even bounce. But this one stayed low and rattled the stumps. Ebadot would then remove Nicholls and Blundell in quick succession thereafter.
Taylor and Rachin Ravindra saw out the remaining overs, albeit with some luck along the way. But the two have quite the task at hand on the final day.
For Bangladesh, the second innings made up for the disappointment of the way the first one ended. At 401-6 at the end of Day 4, they would have preferred a bigger lead.
Instead, Tim Southee triggered a collapse when he dismissed Mehidy Hasan. At that time, Bangladesh were 445-7; they ended the innings 458 all out.
But as things stand, New Zealand lead by only 17 runs. And with half the side back in the hut, Bangladesh would fancy their chances at running through the tail-enders.
Should they manage it, this will be Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win against New Zealand. Till date, the Tigers have played 16 Tests – including this one – against the Black Caps. And they’ve lost 12 of those matches.
A win over New Zealand in their own backyard would be a fitting way to start this series. Whether it happens though, is what remains to be seen.
