BAN vs NZ, First Test, Day 1 Review: Phillips' four-fer grabs limelight despite Joy's gritty 86

In the first clash of the two-match Test series between New Zealand and Bangladesh in Sylhet, Bangladesh, led by interim captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, chose to bat after winning the toss on a surface anticipated to assist the seamers with substantial cracks. Merely a week after the conclusion of the ODI World Cup, teams have swiftly shifted focus to new challenges.

New Zealand, having reached the semi-finals in the recent tournament, can take pride in their journey. Contrastingly, Bangladesh, with a track record of two wins in nine games, have not found much to celebrate. Nevertheless, the international cricket calendar wastes no time, providing an immediate opportunity for redemption as teams delve into their World Test Championship campaigns - a bit delayed compared to others.

In a nearly vacant stadium, Bangladesh faced an early setback losing Zakir Hasan. However, Najmul Hossain Shanto and opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy stabilised the innings with a 53-run partnership until Shanto's departure. Joy, in his tenth match, fell tantalisingly short of a hundred, departing for 86. Choosing to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh concluded the day at 310/9.

Though bad light curtailed play prematurely, it was a decent effort considering the pitch, progressively aiding turn as the day unfolded. Although nine batters reached double digits, only one surpassed fifty. New Zealand persisted, making inroads after breaking the 88-run stand between Mahmudul and Mominul Haque.

At 180/2, the hosts seemed promising but stumbled when Glenn Phillips, despite limited assistance from the pitch, secured a four-wicket haul. While the afternoon witnessed spinners getting more out of the surface, it lacked pace and bounce. New Zealand persisted, seizing the batters' errors. Although the spinners primarily inflicted damage, Kyle Jamieson (2/52) also impressed with the second new ball, generating late swing.

New Zealand's consistent pressure and capitalisation on Bangladesh's batting errors turned the tide despite the surface conditions favouring the home team initially. The day's play revealed a gradual shift in the pitch dynamics, offering opportunities for both seamers and spinners, ultimately setting the stage for an intriguing contest ahead.

MATCH SUMMARY

New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st Test, Sylhet, 28 November 2023

Bangladesh 310/9 (85 overs: Mahmudul Hasan Joy 86 (166), Najmul Hossain Shanto 37 (35); Glenn Phillips 4/53)

Stumps, Day 1