New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel takes six wickets to set up Test win over Bangladesh and square series | Cricket News
New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel tore through the Bangladesh batting with a six-wicket haul to set up a series-levelling victory for his side in the second Test at Mirpur.
Patel took 6-57, with fellow left-armer Mitchell Santner picking up 3-51 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 144 in their second innings.
Bangladesh vs New Zealand scorecard
But the turning track proved just as problematic for New Zealand as they chased a tricky target of 137, slumping to 69-6 before Santer shared an unbroken stand of 70 with Glenn Phillips to seal victory.
Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan had given the hosts – who resumed on 38-2 – something to bowl at with his battling knock of 57 while wickets tumbled at the other end.
New Zealand skittled Bangladesh for 144 to set up a four-wicket victory in the second Test
Left-hander Zakir brought up his half-century with a huge six off Santner, but then became Patel’s fifth victim when he miscued a sweep.
However, the Black Caps found the chase far from straightforward and Mehidy Hasan (3-52) and Taijul Islam (2-58) blew away their top order to raise hopes of what would have been a first ever home series victory over New Zealand.
But Phillips – who had rescued his side with a knock of 87 in the first innings – was dropped on nought by Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto and made the most of that let-off.
He maintained a cool head to finish undefeated on 40, while Santner hit 35 not out to steer the visitors across the line and tie the two-Test series 1-1.
