New Zealand vs Bangladesh 1st Test: Ebadot Hossain takes six as visitors get first win over Kiwis, Wasim Jaffer applauds ‘underdog’ story

Bangladesh beat New Zealand for the first time in a Test match at the 16th attempt with a stunning eight-wicket victory at Mount Maunganui on Wednesday (January 5) that snapped the World Test Champions’ 17-match unbeaten run on home soil. Seamer Ebadot Hossain took 6-46 as Bangladesh dismissed the Black Caps for 169 on day five of the first Test at Bay Oval and the tourists knocked off the 40 runs for victory for the loss of two wickets.

Bangladesh’s first win in any format of the game in New Zealand gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series with the second match starting in Christchurch on Sunday. New Zealand resumed on 147/5 with a slender lead of 17 but were quickly on the back foot when Ebadot clean bowled Ross Taylor for 40 and removed Kyle Jamieson for a duck in his first two overs.

Taskin Ahmed chipped in with his second wicket in the fifth over of the morning when he had all-rounder Rachin Ravindra caught behind for 16 and the Black Caps were rocking on 160/8. Tim Southee had his middle stump removed in Taskin’s next over and Trent Boult departed for eight when he holed out in the deep to end the innings.

Shadman Islam scored the first runs of the chase but was caught behind for three and his fellow opener Najmul Hossain Shanto departed for 17 with victory in sight. It was left to captain Mominul Haque, who scored 13 not out, and the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim, unbeaten on five, to usher Bangladesh to their historic triumph.

Meanwhile, the likes of Wasim Jaffer praised Bangladesh’s historic win. “Few things more inspiring in sport than the victory of the underdog. What a moment for @BCBtigers. congratulations, and take a bow,” Jaffer tweeted.

Few things more inspiring in sport than the victory of the underdog.
What a moment for @BCBtigers congratulations, and take a bow #NZvBAN pic.twitter.com/EkY5WDXahj — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 5, 2022

While former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan wrote, “Great win for @BCBtigers really impressive”.

(with Reuters inputs)