Bangladesh chase maiden Test win against NZ
A preview of the second and final Test of the series between Bangladesh and New Zealand in Mirpur
Match facts
October 21-25, 2013Start time 0930 local (0330 GMT)
Big picture
Given their reputation and track record preceding this series, the drawn first Test could be seen as a positive result for Bangladesh and a negative one for New Zealand. The two sides, however, seemed satisfied. Bangladesh appeared disappointed at not achieving a result, but chasing a total over 200 on the final day was going to be difficult. New Zealand, on the other hand, felt they got a just outcome.Form guide
(last five matches, most recent first)Bangladesh DWLLD
New Zealand DLLDD
Watch out for
The first Test belonged to Sohag Gazi. He scored a maiden Test century with confidence, and then took six wickets in the second innings, including a hat-trick. The rare nature of his record will follow him from now on every time he comes in to bowl and bat.Team news
New Zealand could tweak their bowling attack, leaving out Martin for Neil Wagner or even Mark Gillespie. Corey Anderson did not have the most memorable debut Test - he bowled well but his batting returns were poor. However, it's likely he may keep his place ahead of Dean Brownlie. Barring any last-minute injuries, the rest of the side is likely to remain unchanged.New Zealand (likely): 1 Peter Fulton, 2 Hamish Rutherford, 3 Kane Williamson, 4 Ross Taylor, 5 Dean Brownlie/Corey Anderson, 6 Brendon McCullum (capt), 7 BJ Watling (wk), 8 Doug Bracewell, 9 Trent Boult, 10 Ish Sodhi, 11 Bruce Martin/Neil Wagner/Mark Gillespie
Stats and trivia
- Sohag Gazi's hat-trick in the first Test was the first by a Bangladeshi spinner since Alok Kapali's achievement in 2003 against Pakistan.
- The 27 sixes hit during the first Test equaled the record for most sixes hit in a Test match. The other game with 27 sixes was played between India and Pakistan in Faisalabad in 2006.
- Mominul Haque's 203 runs in the first Test is the second highest aggregate for a Bangladeshi batsman in Tests, behind Mohammad Ashraful's 212 runs.
Pitch and conditions
The Mirpur wicket will be slow, but will offer much to batsmen and spinners. The fast bowlers will struggle, although reverse swing is a possibility given the outfield conditions. There was heavy rain on Sunday morning and forecasts suggest more showers over the next week.Quotes
"Our target will be to hold on to the consistency that we showed in the last game. My personal goal would be to take five wickets." Bangladesh offspinner Sohag Gazi speaks about the collective and individual plans for the second TestNew Zealand opener Peter Fulton
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo's Bangladesh correspondent. He tweets here