Once upon a time, in the exciting world of cricket, a team from New Zealand was led by their captain, Tim Southee. They faced Bangladesh in a Test match, a thrilling adventure full of ups and downs. Let’s dive into how the battle unfolded and what Tim Southee had to say after the game.
The match occurred in Sylhet, and New Zealand had the challenge of chasing 332 runs for victory. However, things didn’t go as planned, and the visiting side got bowled out for only 181 runs. Bangladesh emerged victorious, marking their maiden Test win over New Zealand at home.
Tim Southee, the captain of the New Zealand Test team, stepped up to speak at the post-match press conference. He pointed out the chief reason for their defeat – the impressive ability of the Bangladesh bowlers to sustain pressure for extended periods. According to Southee, the accuracy of the Bangladesh bowlers played a crucial role in their success.
You look at how the Bangladesh bowlers could apply pressure for an extended period. We did it in periods, but we probably didn’t do it for long enough. And then, as a batting unit, you’re always looking at partnerships,” explained Southee.
He praised the Bangladesh bowlers for their accuracy and acknowledged that as the Test match progresses, it becomes harder to bat in these conditions. The pitch takes more turns and has a bit more variable bounce. Southee believed a couple of partnerships could have made a significant difference for his team.
Reflecting on the innings of Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored a century in the second innings for Bangladesh, Southee acknowledged its importance. Shanto’s innings set the platform for Bangladesh to post a challenging target for New Zealand. Southee recognized it as a great inning, especially given the game’s situation.
“I think Shanto’s innings was a great innings, and one that a very timely one as well, the situation of the game, so, there’s many things you can look back on, and as a side, you’re just looking to improve and hopefully, learn from this and move forward in a few days,” said Southee.
When questioned about whether New Zealand could have counter-attacked to disrupt the rhythm of the Bangladesh bowlers, Southee emphasized the importance of trusting each batter’s style. He mentioned that players like Kane Williamson might absorb pressure differently than someone like Daryl Mitchell. Trusting their unique methods was the key for the New Zealand batters.
“I think it comes back to the nature of the play. I think Kane Williamson likes to absorb pressure in different ways to someone like Daryl Mitchell. So I think it’s about trusting your style and the only way you do it. If you look at Shanto’s method, it differs from someone like Mominul’s. So, it’s about how you go about it and trusting your way,” explained Southee.
Even though New Zealand was defeated in the opening Test, Southee remained confident about the team’s ability to bounce back. He expressed the team’s commitment to learning and improving their game. The captain acknowledged that playing cricket in Bangladesh was challenging but emphasized the need to be better in all aspects of the game for more extended periods.
“I think you’re just looking to keep learning and improving your game. We’ll look back on this, and we’ll reflect on the last five days. And we’ll pick ourselves up and go again in a few days’ time. We know it’s a challenging place to play cricket. And I think we just got to be better for longer and in all areas of the game,” concluded Southee.
And so, the story of New Zealand’s Test match against Bangladesh unfolded with its share of challenges and learnings. The team, led by Captain Tim Southee, looked ahead to the next Test match in Dhaka, confident in their ability to turn the page, improve, and face the next cricketing adventure with renewed determination.
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Southee acknowledges the skill of Bangladesh bowlers and Shanto. Tim Southee, the captain of the New Zealand Test team, highlighted that Bangladesh’s bowlers’ ability to maintain pressure for extended periods, along with their accuracy, was the primary reason for New Zealand’s 150-run defeat in the opening Test in Sylhet. Despite needing 332 for victory, the New Zealand side was bowled out for only 181 as Bangladesh secured their first Test win over New Zealand at home.
He acknowledged the accuracy and style of the Bangladesh bowlers, stating, “I think the Bangladesh bowlers bowled well and were very accurate. And in the way they bowl and the style they bowl, we know that over here in this part of the world, as the Test moves on, it tends to get harder to bat, it tends to take a little bit more turn and a little bit more variable bounce.”
Southee also praised Najmul Hossain Shanto for his crucial century in the second innings, setting the foundation for Bangladesh’s challenging target.
When asked about counter-attacking against Bangladesh bowlers, Southee emphasized the importance of trusting individual batting styles.
Despite the loss, Southee expressed confidence in the team’s ability to bounce back in the second and final Test in Dhaka on December 6.
Taijul Islam shines as Bangladesh secures their first-ever Test win against New Zealand at home. Southee acknowledges the skill of Bangladesh bowlers and Shanto.
In a triumphant Test match, Taijul Islam played a crucial role as Bangladesh secured a commanding 150-run victory against New Zealand in Sylhet on Saturday (December 2). Taijul, showcasing his bowling prowess, claimed his 12th five-wicket haul in Test cricket, finishing with impressive figures of 6-75 in the second innings and a total of 10 wickets in the match. This marked Bangladesh’s first Test win against New Zealand at home.
On the final day, New Zealand started the chase at 113/7, aiming for an unlikely victory target of 332. Daryl Mitchell’s resilient innings of 58 delayed Bangladesh’s triumph, but they eventually clinched the win by dismissing the remaining three wickets. Mitchell, with his battling half-century, received support from Ish Sodhi, extending their partnership for 15 overs. However, Nayeem Hasan claimed Mitchell’s wicket, and Taijul sealed the victory by dismissing Tim Southee and Sodhi in quick succession.
The New Zealand skipper, Tim Southee, and Sodhi tried to counter-attack, but Taijul’s skillful bowling prevailed. Southee struck some sixes, but his dismissal attempting a pull shot marked the end of their resistance. Sodhi fell to Taijul, securing Bangladesh’s win inside the first session on the final day.
Bangladesh had dominated the match on the fourth day, with Taijul Islam leading the charge by dismissing key New Zealand batsmen. Despite Mitchell’s resistance on the final day, Bangladesh wrapped up the victory, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
In the first innings, Bangladesh posted 310 runs, propelled by Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 86 and contributions from the rest of the batting order. New Zealand responded with 317 runs, featuring Kane Williamson’s century. In the second innings, Bangladesh set a challenging target, with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s century and contributions from Mushfiqur Rahim and Mehidy. New Zealand fell short, posting only 181 runs in their second innings.
Final Scores:
Bangladesh 310 & 338 (Najmul Hossain Shanto 105; Ajaz Patel 4-148)
New Zealand 317 & 181 (Daryl Mitchell 58; Taijul Islam 6-75)
Bangladesh won by 150 runs.
Facing a daunting task of chasing over 300 runs on a turning track in the subcontinent, Ajaz Patel from New Zealand acknowledged the challenges ahead but emphasized the team’s commitment to fight. With seven wickets down and needing 219 more to win, Ajaz highlighted Daryl Mitchell’s resilience, who battled for an unbeaten 44 amid the fall of wickets.
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