Second Test: New Zealand Vs Bangladesh played at Basin Reserve, Christchurch
Brief Score :New Zealand 432/6 ( LRPL 200, HM Nichols 107, KS Williamson 74, Abu Jayed 3/94 , Taijul Islam 2/99) beat Bangladesh 211 all out ( Tamim Iqbal 74 , Liton K Das 33 , Shadman Islam 27, N Wagner 4/28 , T Boult 3/38) and 209 all out ( Mahmudullah Riad 67 , Mithun 47, Shadman Islam 29, Soumya Sharkar 28) by an innings and 12 runs
A two and half day crushing defeat by an innings and 12 runs humiliated pathetic team tigers in the second of the three matches test series at Basin reserve Christchurch takes New Zealand to a series win.
Bangladesh is set for another series white wash. This way possibly the best chance for Bangladesh for earning a draw at least after the first two days of the match was washed out. But poor technique and skill for dealing against fast short bowling on green top pacey wickets proved too much for dealing with Neil Wagnar, Trent Boult and the rest.
On a wicket where the entire Bangladesh batting barring two bright innings by Tamim (74) in the first and Mahmudullah (67) in the second Taylor (200), Nichols (107) and Williamson (74) batted superbly.
Bangladesh bowlers failed to exploit the bowler-friendly wicket which led to the doom. Bangladesh also lost the first test by an innings. With another test series white wash looming after humiliating ODI white wash Bangladesh is looking down the barrel with all important ICC World cup only months away.
Bangladesh was not lucky with the coin again when the toss was coined on the third day after the first two days were rained out. The green top wicket pushed New Zealand going aggressive with four lively pace bowlers Boult, Southee, Wagnar and Henry.
Bangladesh brought back Mustafiz and Taijul. Tamim and Shadman batted superbly to see off the red cheery seaming and swinging. Both played some classic strokes raising hopes for a good first innings score.
But as soon as Shadman’s brief innings came to an end the top and middle orders melted like ice under the heat of short rising stuff of Neil Wagner and Trent Boult. Other than Tamim (74), Liton (33) and Shadman (27) no batsmen showed any temperament for staying at the wicket. Few played very poor strokes not justifying their test class.
From 2/119 at lunch in the first innings Bangladesh depleted to 211 all out losing 8 wickets for 92 runs. Left arm pacer Neil Wagner with his fast rising deliveries aimed at rib cage vividly exposed the weakness of Bangladesh batsmen. We can not blame the players much as they have never get opportunity for practicing against such bowling on similar wickets at home.
In absence of senior professionals Shakib and Mushfique, Tamim and Mahmudullah were expected to take greater responsibilities. Tamim raced to 74 playing some eye pleasing strokes. But his innings could not produce enough to set the back bone of a substantial first innings. Tamim could have change gear at the critical stage of the innings. 211 in the first innings was just not enough.
Though Tamim and Shadman played out superbly the opening spells of Boult and Southee in the pre-lunch session playing some eye catching drives, pulls and cuts yet the introduction of Wagner triggered the doom. Wagner (4/28) and Boult (3/38) set the tone of the test.
New Zealand innings also started poorly with Abu Jayed removing Tom Latham and Jeet Raval very early. Taylor joined Williamson with Kiwi innings in taters at 8/2. But on day two Bangladesh fielders were too generous and hospitable to Taylor failing to grab at least two easy opportunities offered. He alone ruthlessly punished toothless Bangladesh attack.
Nichols and Williamson were his able partners in tiger hunt. Talyor scored 200 quick runs playing in T20 ode. Nichols also scored a quick fired 107, Williamson looked for yet another century but got out for 74. 432/6 on a wicket having lots of assistance for bowlers was great going. The Kiwi scoring over 5 runs per over paved the way for timely declaring the innings 221 ahead.
Tamim going back early was a rude shock as it signaled Bangladesh decimating to yet another innings defeat. Shadman again took a start but could not kick on. Mominul failed yet again. Bangladesh finished day at 78/3 still trailing 142 runs in arrears.
On day five the target was playing out for a draw. But Bangladesh batsmen other than Mahmudullah had the required skills, temperament or technique for confronting the short rising pacey deliveries of Boult and Wagner.
Eventually none could stay long with Mahmudullah to even make New Zealand bat again. Bangladesh crushed to yet another humiliating defeat by an innings and 12 runs. New Zealand sealed the series 2-0. Team tigers looks vulnerable for another comprehensive series white wash. Nightmare continues.
We have very little saying. Talk shop BCB officials would try finding excuses. Time has come to ponder whether the present unprofessional BCB should continue or they be replaced with a truly professional and accountable team. There was no planning, no vision for the New Zealand tour. The team was sent there with no preparation. As if the lambs were set for slaughter.
BDST: 1116 HRS, MAR 12, 2019
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