NEW DELHI: In a gripping encounter at Mirpur's Shere Bangla Stadium, New Zealand managed to level the two-match series against Bangladesh with a hard-fought four-wicket win on the fourth day of the second Test.
Ajaz Patel's exceptional bowling performance, claiming six wickets, set the stage for a challenging chase, ultimately secured by Glenn Phillips and Mitchell Santner's resilient partnership.
As it happened: Bangladesh vs New Zealand, 2nd Test
New Zealand skipper Tim Southee described the match as a "bit of scrap" but expressed satisfaction with the team's ability to come out on the "right side of it."
He noted, "The guys trusted their ways. The way Phillips and Santner play, it's on the attacking side to the other players. And they did that."
The Kiwis faced a daunting task of chasing 137 on a treacherous track after Bangladesh's Zakir Hasan displayed a battling inning of 59.
Despite being reduced to 69/6 before tea, Phillips, dropped on nought by skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, showcased composure, forming a crucial seventh-wicket stand of 70 with Santner to secure victory.
Man-of-the-match Phillips emphasised the team's fighting spirit, saying, "Our spinners did incredibly well, also Tim. The Bangladesh boys came back with intent. To bring that back and to chase 137 was pleasing."
Bangladesh, resuming at 38/2, faced a challenging morning as spinners Patel (6-57) and Santner (3-51) exploited the turning pitch. Zakir Hasan's valiant efforts, including a half-century, weren't enough as Patel's fifth victim. The hosts were dismissed for 144 before lunch, effectively on the third day of the rain-affected contest.
Reflecting on the match, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto acknowledged the opportunity to win, saying, "The bowlers did a great job. Everyone chipped in the field as well. I hope we learn from this match."
This victory holds historical significance for New Zealand, marking their first Test win in Bangladesh in 15 years. With the series levelled at 1-1, Bangladesh now prepare for a series of one-day internationals and Twenty20 matches in New Zealand later this month.
(With inputs from Reuters)
