Sylhet Test : Bangladesh thrash New Zealand by 150 runs

Bangladesh have scripted history by defeating New Zealand by 150 runs on the fifth day of the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Taijul Islam has completed a 10-wicket-haul as he claimed four wickets in the first innings and other six wickets in the second innings. He took two of the three remaining wickets on the 5th day hitting the final nail on New Zealand’s coffin on the day.

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.

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.

However, Najmul Hossain Shanto eventually recorded a win in this maiden Test as captain.