In the opening Test in Sylhet, Bangladesh’s spinners, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan, made significant inroads as New Zealand struggled in their reply to the hosts’ 310 all out on the second day. At lunch, the tourists stood at 78-2, with Kane Williamson at 26 and Henry Nicholls at 11.
New Zealand wrapped up Bangladesh’s innings at the beginning of the day, with Tim Southee dismissing the last man, Shoriful Islam, for 13. Despite a brisk start for the Black Caps, Bangladesh’s spinners, led by Taijul and Mehidy, took control, claiming crucial wickets. Taijul removed Tom Latham, while Mehidy accounted for the dismissal of Devon Conway with a spectacular one-handed catch by debutant Shahadat Hossain.
The hosts faced a setback when opener Zakir Hasan had to be stretchered off after being hit by a ball while fielding close in. The ongoing two-match series marks the initiation of a new cycle in the World Test Championship for both teams.
