Unchanged Bangladesh opt to bat first in 2nd test against NZ

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opted to bat first in the second and final Test against New Zealand after winning the toss at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

The hosts are leading the series 1-0 following their 150-run victory in the first Test, Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam were instrumental in the victory while others played around them to make it a success story.

After playing a total team game, Bangladesh didn’t feel any necessity to bring up any changes even though there was an injury scare of offspinner Nayeem Hasan.
However, Nayeem, who suffered a finger injury yesterday was deemed fit to play the game.

New Zealand, which is looking to level the series, brought up one change with left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner replacing leg-spinner Ish Sodhi.

The visiting team skipper Tim Southee said the team’s spinners need to show more consistency if they are to avoid a first series defeat against Bangladesh.

While Bangladesh’s spinners claimed 18 wickets at an economic rate of 2.48, New Zealand’s spinners took 14 wickets at a rate of 3.73 runs.

New Zealand’s frontline spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi also had a limited impact in the match.

Line Ups:

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto(c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nurul Hasan, Nayeem Hasan, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam

New Zealand: Tom Latham, Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Kyle Jamieson, Tim Southee(c), Ajaz Patel. (BSS)