A superb spell of fast bowling from Neil Wagner – who accounted for five for 45, well supported by fellow left-arm pacer Trent Boult (4 for 52) propelled New Zealand to an innings victory over Bangladesh in the second Test at Wellington. Meanwhile, the victory looked more convincing considering the there was no play on the first two days due to rain.
The visiting team needed another 141 runs with seven wickets in hand to ensure the Kiwis bat again when the play resumed on day five. New Zealand was without their skipper Kane Williamson and regular wicket-keeper BJ Watling – both due to injury; it was no easy job for the host. The 27-year-old Peter Bocock, who has played only three first-class games took over the gloves in the absence of Watling.
Boult and Wagner lead the charge
Soumya Sarkar and Mohammad Mithun, however, provided visitors with a smooth start. The pair added 32 runs which showed positive signs that Bangladesh can force New Zealand bat again. Then Trent Boult – who has now taken 23 wickets in his last three Tests – bowled a screamer to dismiss Sarkar for 28. The ball, honing in for the left-hander’s off-stump, found Sarkar’s edge and subsequently provided yesterday’s double-centurion Ross Taylor with an easy catch in the slip region.
Since then, it was Neil Wagner, who dictated terms over the Test match. Known for precise line and length, Wagner stuck to his plan of bowling short-pitch deliveries aimed at the body of the batsmen. Mithun (47) was his first victim, pulling a well-directed short delivery to stand-in skipper Tim Southee at leg gully. Liton Das soon went back for one, recklessly pulling Wagner to Boult on the fine leg boundary. Despite the New Zealand bowlers posing challenging questions, Mahmudullah and Mustifizur Rahman offered a short period of resistance before going down finally. In the end, Boult and Wagner sealed the game and the series for their team.
Here is the scorecard of the second innings of Bangladesh against New Zealand at Wellington:
Previously, Ross Taylor played a humping knock which set the tone for New Zealand’s victory. It was his 212-ball 200 that helped New Zealand to declare in the final session of Day 4. Bangladesh have a lot to ponder ahead of the third Test. Despite New Zealand sealing the series with this win, the visiting side will be desperate to end it on a positive note.