Taijul Islam's scintillating six-for has helped Bangladesh defeat New Zealand by 150 runs in the first Test of the two-match series in Sylhet on December 2 (Saturday). The victory in Sylhet is a historic one for the Bangla Tigers as it is the first time they have defeated the Kiwis in a Test match at home.
The visitors failed to come up with answers against the wizardry of Taijul as the slow left-arm orthodox bowlers spun a web around them to claim match figures of 10/184. He bagged 4/109 in the first innings and finished with 6/75 in the second innings.
Needing three wickets to draw first blood in the series on day 5, Bangladesh wrapped the game in a jiffy as off-spinner Nayeem Hasan dismissed Daryl Mitchell (58) to put an end to New Zealand's hopes of making any miraculous comeback.
Taijul picked up the last two wickets in the form of Tim Southee (34) and Ish Sodhi (22) to stamp Bangladesh's authority on the game. The Blackcaps were chasing a daunting total of 332 runs and didn't really stand a chance after they were reduced to 113/7 at stumps on day 4.
After tasting victory on Test captaincy debut, Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto lauded the efforts of Taijul, Nayeem, Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. He also urged the batters to take more responsibility in the second Test.
"Credit goes to all the players, especially Taijul, Nayeem, Shoriful and Mehidy. Everyone enjoyed this match, we weren't thinking about the result. As youngsters, this was an opportunity to do well for our team and win it. We could've scored 50-odd runs more in the first innings but the bowlers did a great job.
"Batsmen will need to take more responsibility in the next game, that'll help. Thanks to God for giving me the opportunity to captain here. Half job done, everyone looking forward to the next Test," Shanto said during the post-match presentation ceremony.
Bangladesh's playing XI:
Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam
New Zealand's playing XI:
Devon Conway, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wk), Glenn Phillips, Kyle Jamieson, Ish Sodhi, Tim Southee (c), Ajaz Patel
