So far Bangladesh have played nine Tests in New Zealand, and have lost each of them. However, things look a bit different for this time as a spirited performance from Ebadot Hossain has put them on the cusp of their first victory.
On Day 4 New Zealand have lost five wickets for 147, and have a slender 17-run lead. At one point, when Will Young and Ross Taylor were batting with two wickets down, the Test match seemed to be headed for a draw. Then Ebadot struck twice in three balls to open the game, and followed with another wicket, to invoke hope in Bangladesh.
The biggest hurdle for the tourists is Ross Taylor, who is currently batting on 37. With him is Rachin Ravindra on 6. Kyle Jamieson can bat, and the New Zealand tail includes prolific six-hitters in Tim Southee, Trent Boult, and Neil Wagner. If New Zealand survive the first two sessions with a wicket down, they may push for a win.
While that is true, it cannot be denied that this is still Bangladesh's Test match to lose. In their last series, against Pakistan, they suffered two heavy defeats, by eight wickets and an innings and eight runs. Not many would have envisioned them to match toe-to-toe against New Zealand in away conditions after that, but they have risen to the challenge, that too in the absence of Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal.
They now just five early wickets on Day 5 to go 1-0 up in the series.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Ebadot Hossain and Taskin Ahmed are must-haves for your fantasy team.
- From New Zealand, pick Ross Taylor and Tim Southee.