Bangladesh-New Zealand Second Test at Hagley Oval, Christchurch 

Scorecard at Sumps on Day Two

Bangladesh 289 All Out (Soumya Sarkar 86, Shakib Al Hasan 59, Nurul Hasan 47, Tim Southee 5/94, Tim Boult 4/87), New Zealand 260/7 (Ross Taylor 77, Tom Latham 68, Nicholls 56, Shakib 3/32)

DHAKA: Brilliant disciplined bowling by all five Bangladesh bowlers kept the visitors well in the test at Christchurch till stumps on the second day. New Zealand (260/7) with three wickets at hand is still trailing by 29 runs. Play was called off 19 overs earlier than schedule due to rain and bad weather. But before that ace all-rounder Shakib dealt three deadly blows to tilt the balance in favour of Bangladesh. Bangladesh could be very well batting on the day in their second had the Bangladeshi fielders accepted all the catches which came their way. Nineteen overs left on the day could still see Bangladesh appearing for the second innings.

The day was cool and strong breeze was blowing. The condition was fast bowling friendly. All Bangladesh bowlers Taskin, Shakib, Rabbi, Miraz and Rubel bowled well sometimes individually and at times in pair. These never allowed Kiwi Batsmen taking much liberty. With only Nicholls and the tail at the wicket Kiwis may not take a large lead if Bangladesh can keep their tempo early on the third morning. The fate of the match is delicately poised.

Like first test Mehedi Hasan Miraz started the bowling with Taskin. Learning lessons from Wellington test they were pitching up and created early pressure on Kiwi openers. Miraz was having a nice drift. Taskin was moving at pace. Both the batsman was dropped in the slip. First, Raval by Mahmudullah off Miraz then Latham by Sabbir off Taskin. If accepted, Bangladesh could put pressure on middle order early on. However, Rabbi coming to the attack dealt double blow removing Raval and Williamson in the same over. Taylor and Latham living charmed life survived till lunch.

Bangladeshi bowlers for a while after lunch for a while bowled too short letting Kiwi batsmen batting freely. Runs started coming thick and fast. 106 runs were added in the third wicket at 4.41 per over put Bangladesh on the back foot. However, brilliant bowling effort of Taskin was crowned with the wicket of Latham caught behind. But not before he scored a very useful 68. Bangladeshi bowlers soon rediscovered their length and line again. Taylor was again dropped by Rabbi of the bowling of Miraz. Taskin and Miraz bowled proving overs. Miraz finally got rid of dangerous looking Taylor caught driving. But that decision had to be earned by DRS. After tea Rubel tested Nicholls and Santner with aggressive bowling. Miraz kept teasing Kiwis with brilliant loop and drift. Edges were dropping short or Bangladesh captain set fielding wrong to back his bowlers. When Kiwis were looking good for marching ahead, Shakib coming to attack in his second spell struck three deadly blows removing Santner, Grandhomme and Watling in the wink of an eye.

New Zealand had slid from 252 for 4 to 260 for 7. If Rain did not come perhaps Bangladesh could warp up Kiwi Innings in that momentum. New Zealand cannot say they have their nose ahead.  The first half an hour on third morning will indicate which way the match would be heading. 

Taskin, Rubel and Rabbi bowled some proving spells. Miraz was always threatening. Shakib showed the value of world class all rounder. He is well set for another 5 wickets innings when play resumes tomorrow.

Going back to the day’s play, one must note that Bangladesh bowling in unfamiliar condition was commendable. All five bowlers bowled brilliant spells. If Only fielding and field setting could be better New Zealand could be in more challenging situation. Tamim will learn with experience that his only option was to back his bowlers with smart aggressive fielding for getting wickets. We hope overnight he will have better advice from team management.

Bangladesh cannot afford to let the match drift out of their grasp. First job is picking three remaining wickets as soon as possible and then bat well for a 350-400 second innings. Senior batsmen Tamim, Mahmudullah and Shakib must lead the way.
** Tigers pick 7 Kiwi wickets, lead by 29-run

BDST: 1455 HRS, JAN 21, 2017
SR