A green top awaits

Bangladesh did not just create history with their eight-wicket win over New Zealand in Mount Maunganui; they did it in a fashion that was unprecedented for them.

They dominated throughout the five days, and they did it with pace. First with the new ball, and then with reverse swing. While one can call New Zealand’s batting callous in the first innings, the second innings was nothing but an exhibition from the Bangladesh pacers.

And in the second Test, they will be treated with a grass-covered pitch at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch, a pitch which might suit them.

Green tops at Christchurch have been an easy formula for success for the Blackcaps. They have played eight Tests on this ground, and have lost only once with six wins.

With their multi-dimensional pace attack, the pitch offering help to the seamers is always music to the Blackcaps’ ears. But before the second Test, this time there might be some warning mixed to it too.

Bangladesh have a shot at glory in this Test as a win will secure their very first series win in New Zealand. And their head coach Russell Domingo said that despite it sounding a little weird, the pitch at Christchurch might suit their attack.

“We have talked long and hard about it that opportunities like this don’t come very often. We are confident and playing well, and it may sound crazy, but the conditions might suit us. The boys are pretty excited about the next couple of days,” he said.

He added that they can do some damage if the wicket helps them early on.

“I haven’t had a look at the pitch yet. I think the wicket will offer the bowlers something more than it did in the first Test. But I think that brings us into the game because we have a group of quality pacers. Not often Bangladesh can say that they are looking forward to bowling on a wicket that has a little grass on it, but I think we have three high-quality bowlers who are pretty confident.

“If we do get on the wicket earlier and it offers something, we can do some damage. They are looking forward to bowling in these conditions. Hopefully, they can put in another good performance,” Domingo said.

Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed said they will be playing for a win.

“The weather is a bit different here. We have tried to adapt to these conditions. We are all mentally and physically prepared. We will give our best and go for the win,” he said.