The last few Test matches have brought about a majorly worrying trend for the near future. Teams, despite piling on massive scores in the first innings, are still not guaranteed of winning games. The last couple of Tests between India and England proved that, and on Monday, as New Zealand completed a famous victory over relatively lighter opponents Bangladesh, this trend carried on.
Despite amassing a mountainous 595-8 in the first innings, Bangladesh ended up losing the game thanks to a spirited brand of cricket played by New Zealand, where skipper Kane Williamson led from the front. As ironic as it turns out for Bangladesh, this is now the highest score scored by a team in the first innings to lose a test.
Day 5 began with Bangladesh having a lead of 122 in the second innings and the Kiwi bowlers needed a few early scalps if they were to harbor any hopes of winning the game. They did just that as Mitchell Santner removed Shakib Al Hasan without adding to the overnight score. Soon fiery pacer Neil Wagner joined the party as he got rid of the stubborn Mominul Haque.
The day, however, was marred by an extremely scary incident when Bangladesh captain Mushfiqur Rahim was hit on the back of his helmet off a vicious bouncer. It is never a pleasant sight to witness a player being carried away in an ambulance right off the field.
The Blackcaps soon were all over the visitors as pacers Trent Boult and Neil Wagner had a field day. Left arm spinner Mitchell Santner chipped in with a couple of wickets as well to have Bangladesh reeling. The lower order was cleaned up by Boult and Southee, as the visitors were all out for 160, handing New Zealand a target of 217 in almost 50 overs.
The openers were dismissed by spinner Mehedi Hasan but once skipper Kane Williamson got in, there was no respite for Bangladesh. Williamson set off rapidly playing mesmerizing strokes as he registered an 89 ball century to anchor New Zealand’s run chase. A 77 ball 60 from Ross Taylor also ensured that New Zealand got to the target within just 39.4 overs. Williamson remained unbeaten on 104 off 90 deliveries as New Zealand sealed a famous win.