Bangladesh’s skipper Najmul Hasan Shanto’s majestic ton puts Tigers in a firm position against New Zealand after Day 3 of the first Test match at the Sylhet International Stadium on Thursday.
With this 193-ball 104 unbeaten knock, Shanto became the first Bangladeshi captain to hit a century on captaincy debut. Tigers finished the day on 212/3 and now lead the Kiwis by 205 runs.
Day 3belonged to Bangladesh as Shanto played a captain's innings and is still going strong. He has been well supported by Mushfiqur Rahim who counter-attacked whenever necessary to keep New Zealand's bowlers at arm's length.
Prior to that, MominulHaque gave company to his skipper, before he was sold down the river and ended up being run out. New Zealand's bowlers have had a hard toil on the field. The pitch is currently aiding turn but it is nothing vicious, nothing that should startle a batter. Bangladesh look good to set a target in excess of 300, and that will be a tall ask for New Zealand because it is never easy batting in the fourth innings in this part of the world and this puts Bangladesh in a strong position to win the match.
Shanto, known for his consistency, had previously scored a century in both innings against Afghanistan in June.
His century, the fourth in Tests, was completed with a single off Ajaz Patel in 191 balls, culminating the
day with a stylish boundary off the last ball.Former captain Mushfiqur played a crucial role, contributing an unbeaten 43 and partnering with Shanto in an unbroken fourth-wicket stand, amassing 96 runs.
The 25-year-old left-hander exhibited resilience despite being involved in two runouts during the day, with the last one being Mominul Islam, who contributed 40 valuable runs.
The partnership between Shanto and Mominul, worth 90 runs for the third wicket, played a key role in Bangladesh's recovery.
Ajaz Patel was the standout bowler for New Zealand on the day, accounting for the dismissal of opener ZakirHasan (17) by trapping him leg-before.
Tim Southee's accurate throw at the non-striking end ran out MahmudulHasan for eight, showcasing New Zealand's fielding prowess.
Mominul, not only a key batter but also a handy bowler, shone with the ball by taking the last two New Zealand wickets in the morning session.
The visitors, replying to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 310, resumed at 266-8. Southee and Kyle Jamieson frustrated the Bangladeshi bowlers with a resilient 52-run partnership for the ninth wicket.
However, Mominul's brilliance came to the fore as he dismissed both batsmen in the same over, ending with career-best figures of 3-4.
