BAN vs NZ 1st Test: How Bangladesh scripted historic victory over New Zealand?

Bangladesh have scripted a historic victory over New Zealand in the first Test of the ongoing series on Saturday (December 2).

The Tigers clinched the first of the two Tests with a humongous 150-run margin against a New Zealand in Sylhet. An excellent all-round display from the hosts means they have now beaten the Kiwis for the first time in a home Test match.

This will come as a welcome boost for Bangladesh cricket, who had a dismal outing in the World Cup 2023. The Tigers also won the match in the absence of three stalwarts who have been instrumental in their progress over the last decade or so.

Captain Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal and Mahmudullah Riyadh - none of the trio took part in the match, which will transcend as a huge positive for them. Najmul Hossain Shanto also made his debut as Test captain and it is going to remain a memorable day for him.

BAN vs NZ 1st Test: How Bangladesh scripted history against New Zealand?

If we dissect the first Test match, we will find certain components which helped Bangladesh register this historical triumph-

Taijul Islam's 10-star performance

It was an excellent bowling performance from Taijul Islam who dismantled the New Zealand batters across the two innings. Taijul picked up four wickets in the first inning and then bettered it with six scalps in the second inning to completely decimate the Kiwi run chase.

Devon Conway, Kane Williamson (twice), Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell were among his victims as the 31-year-old crippled the Black Caps run chase. And it is a historic achievement for Taijul as well, who gets his second 10-wicket haul in Test cricket.

Najmul Hossain Shanto leading from the front

Najmul Hossain Shanto got the wings and he has flown with distinction. Amid Shakib's absence, the debutant captain not only marshalled his troops brilliantly, but contributed crucially with the willow as well.

His pacey 37 off 35 balls in the first innings added momentum to the Bangladesh inning, but the real impact came in the second inning. Shanto scored a brilliant century (105 off 198 balls) and steered Bangladesh towards a fantastic position. The pitch was always going to deteriorate in the last two days and Shanto's brilliant knock gave the hosts the upper hand.

Mominul Haque was a key performer

Mominul Haque was another key performer for Bangladesh. The left-handed batter scored 37 and 40 runs with the bat for the Tigers. He was also the bowler who dismissed Glenn Phillips in the first innings, thus breaking the 78-run partnership between Phillips and Kane Williamson.

From 253 for 5, the visitors were reduced to 264 for 8 and could only garner a lead of 7 runs. Hence Mominul's role has to be acknowledged as well.

The series now shifts to the capital as the 2nd Test will start in Dhaka from Wednesday (December 6).