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The odds of Bangladesh’s maiden victory over New Zealand rose after they reduced the hosts to 147 in their second innings for five at stumps on Day 4 of the ongoing first Test at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The Black Caps have taken a lead of 17 runs, but half of their side is in the pavilion. Ebadot Hossain’s game-changing spell has inspired the tourists to inch closer to what could be a historic win.
Ebadot turned the game at the fag end of the day’s play when he destroyed New Zealand, who were comfortable at 136/2, with opener Will Young and senior batter Ross Taylor looking set to take the home team to stumps without any trouble.
However, Ebadot cleaned up Young (69) on the third ball of the 54th over and on the fifth delivery, he removed Henry Nicholls (0). Ebadot wasn’t done yet as in his very next over, the right-armer sent back Tom Blundell for a duck, putting Bangladesh in commanding position.
Earlier, Mehidy Hasan Miraz played a handy knock of 47 to help the visitors extend their lead to 130 before they were bowled out for 458. Yasir Ali also contributed well with 26 as he and Mehidy formed a crucial partnership of 75 for the seventh wicket.
Notably, Bangladesh have never won a single match in New Zealand. They have lost all their 33 matches across the three formats, including nine Tests.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Wow Ebadot turning this game #NZvBAN huge hour from Bangladesh.
— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) January 4, 2022
Pic 1: Indian fans watching #NZvBAN
Pic 2: Indian fans to Bangladesh 😅 pic.twitter.com/DIUfCrVCk0— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 4, 2022
It's so close for Bangladesh. Do they believe they can win it?#NZvBAN
— Andrew McGlashan (@andymcg_cricket) January 4, 2022
If – and it's still an "if" – Bangladesh pull this off in Mt Maunganui, it will be hard to think of a greater win in their history.
— Money Motive 🌟 (@moneymotivte888) January 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/sparknzsport/status/1478231119363330049
Bangladesh's day at the Bay Oval!
Ebadot Hossain's 4/39 has moved the tourists in front! #NZvBAN #WTC23 pic.twitter.com/WOrMDdKgEr
— ICC (@ICC) January 4, 2022
Ebadot Hossain bowling his spell of the life – W,0,W,0,0,0,W in the last 7 balls – game has shifted completely into the hands of Bangladesh.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/TweetsMani14/status/1478231537426518017
Before the first #NZvBAN Test, Ebadot Hossain averaged 81.5 with the ball, the worst of any bowler with more than 10 wickets. He’s currently got 4-38 to reduce NZ to effectively 6-5 in the third innings. Could be one of the great shock performances in one of the great shock wins
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) January 4, 2022
