In a thrilling turn of events, Bangladesh have surged ahead in the ongoing first Test against New Zealand at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. As Day 4 concluded, the Tigers found themselves in a commanding position, leaving the Black Caps with a daunting task of chasing down 219 runs for victory.
Taijul Islam’s spectacular performance
Bangladesh owes its dominant position largely to the exceptional performance of Taijul Islam, who emerged as the wrecker-in-chief. The spinner showcased his prowess by claiming a sensational 4-wicket haul, leaving New Zealand reeling at 113/7. Taijul dismissed key batters such as Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Tom Blundell, and Kyle Jamieson, conceding just 40 runs in his 20 overs.
With New Zealand’s batting order collapsing, Daryl Mitchell remains the solitary recognized batsman for the visitors. Batting on 44, Mitchell’s resilience will be crucial as New Zealand faces an uphill battle to avoid defeat in the first Test.
Bangladesh set a big target
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh faced an early setback as Tim Southee removed Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had notched up a brilliant century with 105 runs. However, Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the ship with a composed half-century, scoring 67 runs from 116 balls. The 10th-wicket partnership between Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shoriful stretched Bangladesh’s lead, setting a formidable target of 332 runs.
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Taijul’s determination and Team’s confidence
Speaking about the team’s performance, Taijul Islam emphasized the importance of the potential victory. At the end of the day’s play, he remarked: “We need this victory badly because when you will beat a big team like New Zealand, it will give you the confidence. We won’t say we’ve won the game until we grab the last wicket.”
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Here is how Twitter reacted:
Bangladesh are on the cusp of a historic win.#WTC25 | #BANvNZ | 📝: https://t.co/P9hIfQTVtH pic.twitter.com/U1mqKZ8evf
— ICC (@ICC) December 1, 2023
If Bangladesh wins this test it’ll be the first win against NZ at their home soil! 👀🤯#BANvNZ
— Scoop Shot (@Scoopshott) December 1, 2023
Taijul Islam on fire at Sylhet #BANvNZ #CricketTwitter #ICC pic.twitter.com/uh7VsM3Xgr
— Wasay Habib (@wwasay) December 1, 2023
BANGLADESH ROARING AGAINST KIWIS…!!!
81/6 chasing 332 – a historical win loading for Tigers. pic.twitter.com/6kYxIRtUOl
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 1, 2023
Taijul islam against fab-4 (Smith,Virat,Root,Williamson)
Balls: 419
Runs: 219
Out: 8
Average: 27.2 pic.twitter.com/xFHwTpVp3Y— Abul Hasanat (@iamhasanat) December 1, 2023
Bangladesh are on the cusp of a historic win.#WTC25 | #BANvNZ | 📝: https://t.co/9LC3Z3a0i5 pic.twitter.com/GIvXYNCWpn
— faisal azam (@faisalazam156) December 1, 2023
Most 4-fers for Bangladesh at Home in Tests:
Taijul Islam – 21*
Shakib Al Hasan – 21
Mehidy Hasan Miraz – 10
Mohammad Rafique – 6
Nayeem Hasan – 4
Shahadat Hossain – 4#BANvNZ— Sahil Pednekar 🇮🇳 (@statsbysahil) December 1, 2023
Taijul islam the 3rd best left arm spinner from the subcontinent after herath and jadeja#NZvsBAN
— Aditya (@Aditya82313733) December 1, 2023
BANGLADESH CREATING HISTORY…!!!
Kiwis 60 for 5 while chasing 332 runs in the 4th innings. pic.twitter.com/Z1V897ghKG
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 1, 2023
Bangladesh about to win a great great test match without Shakib and Tamim. NZ are at full strength and same NZ against whom we drew at home. NZ are no more a strong side in any format. They had luck on their side in world cup. But brilliant from Bangladesh young side
— Asim Hafeez (@AcimHafeez) December 1, 2023
#Twitter #reactions #Taijul #Islams #brilliance #puts #Bangladesh #brink #win #BAN #Test
