Shakib al Hasan

Bangladesh created history by beating New Zealand, the reigning inaugural World Test Champions (2019-21), by eight wickets to capture their first-ever win on New Zealand soil. The 34-year-old was delighted by the fact that Bangladesh began 2022 with a maiden Test win over New Zealand after a difficult 2021, where they lost five out of seven Tests.

“I don’t think my presence was necessarily important (in New Zealand). I am actually happy that they did it without me. Not just me (but the others too),” Shakib, who withdrew from the series, was quoted as saying.

“I think what really delighted me was that the notion, particularly in the media, that not many players apart from the four or five senior ones can win games for the team — that will be changed. If they are handed the responsibility, these youngsters will play better.”

The 34-year-old former skipper feels while the maiden win at the Bay Oval will not change things drastically, it will open an opportunity for change. Shakib Al Hasan, who withdrew from the tour to spend time with his family, said that the victory proves the visitors don’t have to rely just on the senior players alone.

“We made an unbelievable start to 2022. I am very happy. Credit goes to all the players and coaching staff for playing well under so much pressure and in these conditions. Everyone tried hard.”

“This was always going to be a challenging year after a difficult time in 2021 for us. I hope we can continue in this manner. Bangladesh does not play this well all the time. “Not everything will change after a Test win. But it creates the opportunity for change. I think if we can hold onto this belief, particularly the BCB, we can do well in the World Test Championship,” Shakib said.

Speedster Ebadot Hossain put up a sensational display, taking a career-best 6-46, while his fellow pacers also played their part as the Bangladesh pace unit snared 13 wickets, the most it has ever bagged in a Test match.

Mashrafe Mortaza Delighted By Pacers Performances In The 1st Test

Another former skipper Mashrafe Mortaza was also delighted by the performance of the pacers.

“Taskin (Ahmed) and Ebadot proved that if they put in the hard work, they can improve. It is good to see the pacers winning a game for us, but this win doesn’t necessarily answer all the questions,” Mortaza said.

“This is not a reply to all the criticism in recent times. Rather, we should learn from this, that we can win matches if we give players the opportunity. Cricket boards should invest and see what’s happening so that it could bring better results in the future.”

Citing Ebadot Hossain’s case, Mashrafe Mortaza highlighted the need to give a player time to perform.

“Ebadot’s improvement isn’t recent. He has been playing for a while and has been kept in consideration in Tests. He must have been given assurance that he will play. He knows this is his career, his future. He has to serve the team.”

“Ebadot’s wickets won us the game. It could have been a drawn game. You have to give the player a bit of time. He got set slowly. Rahi has been giving service for a long time (unclear). Giving them a bit of time always brings a good result.”

He also pitched the idea of using Mirpur to develop fast bowlers.

“I think they could look at Mirpur to help the fast bowlers since the ball here goes up and down. It, however, depends on how much you depend on the fast bowlers. So it is good that the pacers won us the game.”

This was Bangladesh’s first-ever win on New Zealand soil in 32 matches across all formats and in the end, it was pretty comfortably done by the tourists. Devon Conway had scored 122 in the 1st innings but the duo of Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque(88) and Liton Das(86) ensured Bangladesh get a handsome lead in the 1st innings before Ebadot Hossain ensured New Zealand be restricted to only 169 in their 2nd innings.

Bangladesh 458 (Mominul 88, Litton 86, Boult 4-85) and 42 for 2 (Shanto 17, Mominul 13*, Mushfiqur 5*) beat New Zealand 328 (Conway 122, Nicholls 75, Shoriful 3-69, Mehidy 3-86) and 169 (Young 69, Taylor 40, Ebadot 6-46, Taskin 3-36) by eight wickets

In the ongoing 2nd Test, Tom Latham (186) was the highlight but Devon Conway (99) too played a delightful knock. The platform though was set by the opening stand as they added 148. Will Young also looked all set for a big score but he fell. Devon Conway and Tom Latham then have built an unbeaten 200-run stand. Tom Latham is eyeing a double ton whereas Devon Conway is one short of his hundred. New Zealand is 349/1 at Stump’s on Day 1.