New Zealand skipper Tim Southee called the pitch used for the second Test against Bangladesh as “probably the worst wicket” he has played on.
New Zealand needed just 178.1 overs to win the series against Bangladesh in Mirpur. Led byGlen Phillips’ 40 not out, the visiting team were at one point up to 69-6 before reaching his fourth innings target of 137 with four wickets to spare.
A total of 36 wickets fell in this clash, 30 of which went to the spinners. Phillips, who has taken all eight wickets of his Test career in this series, took 3-31 from 12 overs in the first innings, taking five more wickets from Mitchell Santner and Ajaz as Bangladesh were all out for 172. Dropped at Patel.
After Patel beat Bangladesh for 144 at 57 for 6 in the third innings, New Zealand were dismissed for 180 in reply and ended up achieving a difficult target. It was his 23rd time since 2000 that spinners from both teams have collectively taken 30 or more wickets in a Test match, of which his nine wickets came in Bangladesh.
However, despite Phillips’ clinical performance with his bat and New Zealand’s victory, Southie was unimpressed with the track used for the match, calling it “shoddy”.
“This is probably the worst wicket I’ve seen in my career,” Southee said. “The balance between bat and ball was very much in the hands of the bowler. I think the end of the match after 170 overs reflected that. So I think our players won and we were able to win. I was really happy.
“I think it was just a bad Test match. It was obviously a tough wicket. It was difficult to get runs and it was these little moments and partnerships that were important, but the condition of the bat and ball was I think in other matches that are a little more equal, they’re less noticeable.”
Nazimul Hossain Shant, however, defended the wicket selection and said Bangladesh were just making the most of their home advantage. “When we play Tests, we are not here to get better. This is not a place to practice. We aim to win Tests,” Shanto said.
“Preparing to win Tests is important, but you should definitely take advantage of this.” Trying a good wicket can prepare you for first-class cricket. You need to prepare wickets like this and those in NCL (National Cricket League) or BCL (Bangladesh Cricket League) away conditions. ”
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