Many cricket pundits say that New Zealand’s wicket means the grass, the pacers’ ball will bounce like a shuttlecock, the off-the-pitch movement like a snake, this thinking is a trap for many captains, even bowlers. The captain happily plays 3-4 pacers, and those bowlers think the ball will swing-bounce like magic whenever it hits the pitch.
[Gaming]Not all green pitch in New Zealand is helpful at all. The extra bounce from the green pitch often makes it easier for the batsmen to bat. A little help in the morning, then as the day progresses, the wicket becomes a batting paradise. Bowlers also need to have special skills to swing.
Bangladesh returned to the dressing room with ‘relief’
[Gaming]Except for the morning session, it seemed like a long time, maybe Bangladesh captain Muminul Haque also stepped into this trap. He won the toss and elected to bowl. Taskin-Shariful also gave a little pressure by realizing the advantage of the pitch in the morning. Shariful brought the wicket of Tom Latham in the first three overs with the new ball. But after lunch, the moisture of the pitch disappeared, the pressure is given by the pacers of Bangladesh also disappeared! Looking at the Kiwi batsmen, it seemed that batting was not easy.
also read: Conway scored a century and make Bangladesh is in discomfort
But whether it is forgotten or not, it is certain that there will be a smile on Muminul’s face at the end of the day. New Zealand took 5 wickets at the end of the first day. Only 256 runs, within reach, despite Devon Conway’s century. Tom Blundell was bowled as the last wicket of the day by Ibadat Hossain.
[Gaming]However, apart from Shariful Islam, no Bangladeshi fast bowler has been a threat to the Kiwis. Mehdi Miraj’s 27 overs over in pace-friendly condition is proof of this. Taskin Ahmed lost his temper after the morning session. Ibadat’s bowling was like forgetting if he didn’t get that wicket. Even after Abu Zayed Rahi took 3 wickets in the preparation match, the question may arise as to why Ibadat is being played without him. If he does not fit the flower, then of course another calculation.
Shariful was a bright exception among the pacers
[Gaming]However, Shariful Islam was a shining exception. He has been bowling all the time with great planning. The Kiwi batsmen have been in regular discomfort. After the wicket of Tom Latham, Ross Taylor (32) was also bowled out in the fourth stump by Planmafic.
Devon Conway was a pillar of the Kiwis. The one who hit the call in the preparation match, today he is irresistible! He has been playing around the wicket from the beginning. Picked up the first century of the year. But part-timer Mominul Haque could not make the innings bigger, he returned with 122 runs.
also read: Both Tests against Bangladesh are Taylor’s last
Will Young’s wicket is the disappointing wicket of the day. He was batting great. Fifty did. Then run out!
The best day to bat in New Zealand is the 3rd-4th day. Bangladesh will bat in these two days if they can tie New Zealand in one and a half to two sessions tomorrow. And the Kiwis can be a little challenging. At the end of the first day, the possibility seems bright.
Short Score:
New Zealand 1st Innings – 256/5 at the end of the first day (Conway 122, Young 52; Shariful 2/53)
