Bangladesh are chasing their first-ever series victory over the Black Caps as the second and final test of the series gets under way in Dhaka at 4.30pm (NZ time). Here’s all you need to know ahead of the match.
Bangladesh won the first test against New Zealand in Sylhet by 150 runs to close in on a landmark series victory. The only top-level teams that Bangladesh have ever beaten in a two-match test series are Zimbabwe and West Indies.
Speaking yesterday evening, Black Caps captain Tim Southee hoped for more consistent bowling spells and building partnerships with bat in hand from his side. The full 15-man squad is available for this test too, but Southee said the team would wait to see the pitch conditions ahead of the first delivery to make their final decision on the XI.
Bangladesh’s spinners claimed 18 wickets at an economic rate of 2.48, and New Zealand’s spinners took 14 wickets at a rate of 3.73 runs. New Zealand’s frontline spinners Ajaz Patel and Ish Sodhi had a limited impact in the match, and the team could include Rachin Ravindra and Mitchell Santner for the second test.
“They’re [Ravindra and Santner] obviously capable spinners. But we went with what we thought was the best side to win that first test match,” Southee said. “It’s just a tough one to try and get your 15 great players to fit into an 11. So, it’s about picking a side that you think is going to do the job for the five days ahead of you.”
