BAN v NZ, 1st Test Day 1 Review: Mominul Haque slams half-century as Bangladesh remains firm

Mominul Haque was the star of the show on a rain-hit first day’s play in the Basin reserve in Wellington. Following what was a terrible outing for the Bangladeshis in the limited-overs’ series, have seemingly pulled things back on the first day at least with some impressive batting displays. Imrul Kayes was perhaps the lone failure with the bat as he was dismissed by the swinging ball by Tim Southee.

However, what came next was some impressive batting by Tamim Iqbal who quite literally took the bull by the horns and began to whack the ball to different parts of Wellington. So much was the aggression of Tamim that Kane Williamson was forced to bring in Colin de Grandhomme and Neil Wagner into the grand scheme of things, bowlers who would have ideally been the ones to bowl once the new ball got a bit harder.

The partnership was eventually broken when Trent Boult once again brought about one of his famous outswingers that ensured that he did indeed have Tamim Iqbal’s number. While it was Mominul Haque who continued on his merry way and also playing with a lot of caution, it was quite clear that he needed support at the other end.

The rain began to attack the first day’s play in tandem as the play was interrupted by continual stoppages in the play, something that broke the rhythm of the players on show. This was also coupled with bad light as only 40 odd overs could be played on the day. Shakib Al Hasan came out to bat towards the close of play and also remained unbeaten as well as the day came to an abrupt end.

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Colin de Grandhomme, who had made an impressive start to this year’s Test season was the only one who went wicketless on the morning with the rest of the bowlers getting a wicket apiece. Mitchell Santner did not get a bowl.

Brief Scores:

Bangladesh, 1st innings: 154/3 (M Haque 64*; N Wagner 1/26)