ZCZC
BSP-10
CRICKET-NZL-BAN-TEST-LEAD
Tigers suffer innings defeat despite Soumya, Mahmudullah’s heroic ton
DHAKA, March 3, 2019 (BSS) – Heroic centuries from Soumya Sarkar and
Mahmudullah were in vain as Bangladesh suffered an innings and 52 runs defeat
against New Zealand in the first Test in Hamilton on Sunday.
Pacer Trent Boult, the wrecker in-chief of Bangladesh innings, grabbed
five-wicket haul to bring the massive victory for the Black Caps.
After the stubborn double-century partnership that took Bangladesh to 361
for 4 in their second innings, Boult finally broke the partnership sending
back to Soumya for 149.
Soumya, who equaled Tamim’s record of fastest century from 94 balls, also
shined with ball taking two wickets, but Bangladesh also needed him to
perform with the bat. With 39 overnight score the left-handed batsman reached
his fifty from 60 balls. The three figure came when took a single on the leg-
side off Tim Southee to bring up his first Test century.
The partnership finally ended in a 235-run stand with Mahmudullah for the
fifth wicket and the Test was all over 68 runs later, just after tea on day
four.
The left handed batsman Soumya composed a magnificent 149, his maiden Test
century, in a heroic partnership with his skipper Mahmudullah who was the
penultimate batsman removed by Southee for 146, his fourth and career best
figure.
Though the match had belonged to New Zealand as they declared their first
innings at a massive 715 for six — a first innings lead of 481 — but Soumya
and Mahmudullah were determined to stretch the innings and fought bravely to
deficit the defeat margin.
The duo batted together for more than 54 overs and produced the fifth best
partnership by a Bangladesh pair. Bangladesh lost their remaining five
wickets by only 18 overs.
It was a near impossible task when Bangladesh resumed their second innings
with overnight 174 for 4 to score a further 307 just to make the Black Caps
to bat again.
But, Soumya could not hold out that long and when the new ball was taken he
lasted 14 more deliveries before Boult ended his marathon innings.
Apart from Boult’s five for 123, Tim Southee claimed three for 98 while
Neil Wagner took two wickets for 104 runs.
New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was named the player of the match for
his impressive double century.
The second Test between the two sides will begin on March 8 in Wellington.
Brief score:
Bangladesh 1st innings 234 for all, Tamim 126, Liton 29, Shadman 24, Wagner
5/47, Southee 3/76, Grandhomme 1/39.
2nd innings – 429 for all, Soumya 149, Mahmudullah 146, Tamim 74, Shadman
37, Boult 5/123, Southee 3/98 and Wagner 2/104.
New Zealand 1st innings – 715/6 (dec), Williamson 200, Latham 161, Raval
132, Soumya 2/68, Miraz 2/246, Mahmuullah 1/3.
Result- New Zealand won by innings and 52 runs.
BSS/SG/GMR/1135 hrs