SYLHET, New Zealand: On the inaugural day of the first Test in Sylhet, Bangladesh reached a score of 104-2 by lunch, as New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel and Glenn Philips made early breakthroughs.
Patel dismissed opener Zakir Hasan for 12, while Philips claimed his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 37. At the break, Mahmudul Hasan was batting on 42, accompanied by former captain Mominul Haque, who held an unbeaten score of three.
The hosts, having won the toss and chosen to bat, started positively with Mahmudul and Zakir building a 39-run partnership. Patel’s left-arm spin dismantled Zakir’s defence, securing a wicket with a sharply spinning delivery. Najmul, debuting as Bangladesh’s 13th Test captain, showcased an aggressive innings, striking two fours and three sixes before a mistimed shot off a full toss led to his dismissal.
Kane Williamson’s catch from mid-on ended Najmul’s 53-run partnership with Mahmudul. This two-match series marks the onset of a new cycle in the World Test Championship for both teams. Shahadat Hossain debuted for Bangladesh, while New Zealand opted for Philips and Kyle Jamieson over Rachin Ravindra and Neil Wagner.
