Bangladesh off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz credited the patience of spinners for being able to make a difference despite the difficult condition in New Zealand. Miraz complemented by Bangladesh Test captain Mominul Haque was instrumental to wrap up the tail end of New Zealand innings and restrict the first innings to 328 at the Mount Maunganui on Sunday.
New Zealand on day two of the game on resumed on 258 for five and found miraz and Mominul remove four from the remaining wickets. Only Rachin Ravindra fell to a Bangladesh pacer – Shoriful Islam, who was perhaps pick up the bowlers with his intelligent use of swing and maintaining excellent line and length from the first day.
Miraz finished the innings on three for 86 runs in 32 overs while left-arm spinner Mominul picked two scalps conceding six runs in 25 deliveries. Miraz speaking to the media following stumps on day two informed patience was the key behind the success of the spinners.
“I tried to be patient the whole time. It is tough if you are a spinner in these conditions [in New Zealand]. I tried to put the ball in the right areas and keep the economy rate under three-an-over,” said Miraz.
Bangladesh later batted 67 overs before stumps and posted 175 runs on the board losing two wickets following two half centuries coming from opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Najmul Hossain Shanto. Mahmudul, playing second Test for Bangladesh, registered maiden half century and was unbeaten on 70 off 211 deliveries with Mominul not out on eight on the other end of the crease.
Joy partnered with Shanto for a 104-run stand for the second wicket. Shanto added 64 while opener Shadman Islam scored 22.
Skipper Mominul seemed content with the progress so far.
“Our bowlers did a fantastic job today and yesterday. Batters did well as well. Shoriful set the tone with those three wickets. The partnership between Joy and Shanto was crucial," Miraz explained.
“The partnership was a much-needed one for our team. We did not see big partnerships at the top of the order in the recent past. So this partnership will give us a lot of confidence. There is plenty of action left in this match and we have to follow the process,” the Bangladesh cricketer added.
