Bangladesh's Spin Strategy Backfires: New Zealand Clinches Mirpur Test

Bangladesh suffered defeat in their own strategy as they tailored spin-friendly wickets, hoping to capitalize on their perceived strength against New Zealand. However, the magic they anticipated from their spinners Ejaz Patel and Mitchell Santner turned against them on the Mirpur pitch. Despite a chance to secure their first Test series win over New Zealand after triumphing in the first test in Sylhet, Bangladesh faced a setback in the second test in Mirpur, losing by 4 wickets.

SBS Desk

December 09, 2023

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Bangladesh's Spin Strategy Backfires: New Zealand Clinches Mirpur Test

Bangladesh has frequently found themselves ensnared in their own spin-centric tactics. In Mirpur, no team managed to surpass the 200-run mark in the first innings. Batting in a traditional Test style became even more challenging in the second innings, as Bangladesh succumbed to the venomous spin of Patel and Santner, getting bowled out for a mere 144 runs.

Starting the second innings with an 8-run deficit, Bangladesh could only set a target of 137 runs for New Zealand in the Dhaka Test. Apart from Zakir Hasan, who played a commendable innings of 59 runs off 86 balls, the rest of the batsmen faltered. Bangladesh's inability to set a formidable target posed a challenge, but their spinners, Taijul Islam and Mehedi Hasan Miraj, made the run chase difficult for the visitors, taking 6 wickets for 69 runs.

In a twist of fate, Glenn Phillips, batting at number 7, played a crucial innings of 87 runs, turning the tables in favor of New Zealand. Phillips, along with Santner, orchestrated a significant partnership of 70 runs for the seventh wicket. This pivotal performance led New Zealand to victory, resulting in a 1-1 draw in the two-Test series.

Despite a strong effort from Mehedi Hasan Miraj (three wickets) and Taijul Islam (two wickets) among the Bangladeshi bowlers, Phillips' outstanding innings tilted the balance in New Zealand's favor. The series concluded with Phillips remaining unbeaten on 40 runs, accompanied by Santner on 35 runs.

The collapse of Bangladesh's batting lineup on the fourth day, starting well with a 33-run partnership between Muminul Haque and Zakir Hasan, ultimately proved detrimental. The dismissal of key players, including Mushfiqur Rahim, Shahadat Hossain Dipu, and others, contributed to their downfall. Bangladesh's plan to set a target of 200-220 runs disintegrated, with the innings concluding at 144 runs. Patel took six wickets, while Santner claimed three wickets for New Zealand.