ZCZC
BSP-15
CRICKET-BD-SHADMAN
Shadman upbeat about Tigers’ chance in 2nd Test against NZ
DHAKA, Mar 5, 2019 (BSS)—Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam oozed with confidence, stemming from the second innings of the first Test against New Zealand as he was determined that the team will come up with better show in the second Test in Wellington, starting on March 8.
The hosts though was shot out for 234 in the first innings, they amended their mistakes in the second innings to put up 429 runs before being bowled out. However, New Zealand’s national record of 715-6 (dec) in the only innings meant they lost the match by an innings and 52 runs margin.
Given the margin, this was quite a crushing defeat but Shadman said they are now upbeat about their chance.
“We had a great comeback in the second innings after a first innings debacle,” Shadman said today as Bangladesh landed Wellington.
“The outcome of the second innings of the first Test is confidence booster. Hopefully we can start in Wellington form where we ended it in Hamilton. Everybody is keen to play better cricket.”
The strong wind of Wellington is believed to be a barrier for Bangladeshi fast bowlers as they are not used to bowl in this condition. However Shadman said the wicket might also not be same like Hamilton.
“There might be a change in wicket. But we are ready to play any kind of wicket. We are ready to face them.”
“Yes, there is strong wind here but we shouldn’t occupied by that. We should concentrate on how we can do well in this Test,” Shadman added.
Neil Wagner was Bangladesh’s wrecker-in-chief in the first innings of the Hamilton Test, claiming a five-for but he was not such effective in the second innings.
Shadman said the batsmen understood him well by watching his bowling footage and took preparation thereby.
“I faced Wagner for the first time in my career. He was threatening in the first Test but we read him and understood how to deal with him. Hopefully we can minimize his threat,” he opined.
BSS/SMP/TAN/1533 hrs