A spirited performance from Bangladesh top-order batters made headlines on Day 2 of the first Test match against New Zealand at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. Bangladesh were 175/2 at stumps, in arrears by 153 runs in the first innings.
Earlier, New Zealand resumed the day at 258/5. They lost their last five wickets for 63 runs to get bowled out for 328. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3-86) claimed three of the last five wickets, while Shoriful Islam (3-69) and Mominul Haque (2-6) took a wicket apiece on Day 2.
Henry Nicholls moved to 75 from his overnight 32 before he fell to Mominul. However, he received little support from the other end, as none of the last five batters managed to reach double digits.
After being on the field for 108.1 overs, Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy got Bangladesh off to a steady start. They added 43 for the opening wicket before Shadman (22) was caught and bowled by Neil Wagner in the 19th over.
Joy and Najmul Hossain Shanto batted patiently against the formidable New Zealand attack, comprising Wagner, Tim Southee, Trent Boult and Kyle Jamieson, in their own backyard. They took Bangladesh to 70/1 at tea and stitched 104 together before Wagner returned to remove Shanto (64) in the 58th over. It was Bangladesh’s first ever second-wicket century stand against New Zealand in Test cricket.
Mominul (8*) and Joy (70*) batted out the final nine overs of the day to ensure no further damage.
New Zealand 328 (Devon Conway 122; Shoriful Islam 3-69) lead Bangladesh 175/2 (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 70*; Neil Wagner 2-27) by 153 runs.