DHAKA, -Despite a bold effort of Liton Das who struck a counterattacking century, Bangladesh failed to avoid an innings defeat in the second and final Test at Hagley Oval in Christchurch today. A New Zealand victory was imminent when Bangladesh were bowled out for 126 in the first innings, responding to the hosts mammoth 521-6 declared.
Liton’s second Test century, a 114 ball-102, that included 14 fours and one six gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope to avoid the 45th innings defeat in 128 Tests. But New Zealand’s relentless bowling attack ruined that possibility to clinch the Test by an innings and 117 runs margin, wrapping up Bangladesh’s second innings for 278 in the final session on the day three. The victory inside three days helped the home side draw the two-match series 1-1 and gave their legendary batter Ross Taylor a winning farewell.
It was Taylor’s last Test in his illustrious career, which he made even more memorable with the wicket of Ebadot Hossain that brought an end to the Bangladesh’s innings. In his 112 Tests, Taylor finished with 7623 runs, the highest for New Zealand and took just three wickets. He had also 8581 runs in ODI and 1909 runs in T20 cricket. He is one of the few batters in the world to have played 100 plus International matches in three formats of cricket. However on day three, New Zealand had little to ponder but to enforce follow-on on Bangladesh as they were ahead of a gigantic 395 runs. Bangladesh openers this time started patiently before Kyle Jamieson broke through with the wicket of Shadman Islam who made 21.
Naim Sheikh who got a duck on his debut innings played 98 balls for his 24 before Tim Southee had him caught by captain Latham. Before that Neil Wagner brought an end to Najmul Hossain Shanto’s promising knock, which included five fours and one six as he made 29 off 36. Skipper Mominul Haque also got a great start but like the other top order batters he failed to carry after being out on 37.
Yasir Ali who made a brilliant 55 in the first innings, could score just 2 before Liton came up with counterattacking approach. He got a support from Nurul Hasan Sohan and together they shared 101 runs for the sixth wicket to give Bangladesh a ray of hope to avoid the innings defeat. Daryl Mitchell broke the partnership, removing Sohan for 36, leaving Liton alone to fight for survival. But after he completed his second Test century, Liton was dismissed by Jamieson. The lower order then fell like pack of cards as Bangladesh conceded an innings right after their history-making eight wickets win in the first Test.
