Bangladesh script their first-ever home Test win against New Zealand

Bangladesh defeated New Zealand by 150 runs in Sylhet courtesy of a ten-wicket haul from Taijul Islam.

In his first Test as captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto led Bangladesh to their first Test win at home against New Zealand. This was their second Test win in 18 matches. Their previous victory against the Kiwis had come in 2022 when they won in Mount Maunganui.

With this, the Tigers take a 1-0 lead in the two-game series and have gained crucial World Test Championship (WTC) points.

Najmul Hossain Shanto elected to bat first after winning the toss. Bangladesh’s top-order tried to make the best of decent batting conditions, even as the wicket showed signs of turn. Led by Glenn Phillips (4/53), New Zealand struck back. Bangladesh slipped from a strong 180/2 to 310 all out. 

Kane Williamson’s 104 supplemented by Daryl Mitchell (41) and Glenn Phillips (42) helped the tourists gain a seven-run lead. Taijul Islam (4/109) was the standout Bangladesh performer along with batter Mominul Haque (3/4). 

In the second innings, a fighting century from skipper Najmul and a good fifty from Mushfiqur Rahim (67) helped Bangladesh set a target of 332. 

The tourists crumbled under the assault of Bangladesh spin and folded for 181 despite late resistance from the rearguard. Taijul stood out once again with 6/75. 

This was only the second Test for Bangladesh at this venue. In the previous game, Zimbabwe had beaten Bangladesh by 151 runs. Islam had finished with his career-best 11/170 in that game. 

The second Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand begins on 6 December in Mirpur.