Teammates joyful with Joy’s mature act  

|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh finished the second day of the Mount Manganui Test by scoring 175 runs for the loss of 2 wickets after restricting host New Zealand by 328 runs.

Tiger batters, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Najmul Hossain Shanto have done well at the top order as Joy finished the day unbeaten, while Shanto got out for 64 runs. Spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz lauded the member of U-19 World Cup-winning team Joy.

After a long time, the failure of the Tiger top order changed the scenario in a tough conditions like New Zealand. Opener Shadman Islam and Joy has started decently by adding 43 runs in the opening stand. When Shadman returned with 22 runs, Shanto came down to No. 3.

The pair added 104 runs, Shanto faced 109 balls to score his 64 with seven fours and a six. However, with captain Mominul Haque, Joy passed the rest of the day.

Joy did survive a close lbw shout off Neil Wagner, the New Zealanders thought he had inside-edged the ball, but a review would have sent the batter back. But otherwise, it was a chanceless 211-ball stay for Joy, who ended the day on 70.

Miraz said that the batting performance had given the team a lot of confidence.

"It was a very good partnership, our top order wasn't getting these partnerships recently, so this has given us a lot of confidence. We have to bat well in the first session tomorrow. I think we have a long way to go," he said.

Miraz was particularly effusive in his praise for Joy's performance. "His innings is definitely a positive sign for our team. His batting definitely helped the team. Joy batted well, took his time. He didn't look like he was a new player. He adjusted well to the conditions and situation,”

"He is a member of the Under-19 World Cup-winning team [in 2020]. He did well in South Africa last year, and also made runs in domestic cricket before coming into the senior side. I think he has a lot to give to Bangladesh. The whole team has appreciated his batting" he added.

Shanto expressed dissatisfaction as he got out after a wonderful partnership with Joy, however he praised Shadman and Joy’s good start of the innings.

"Joy and Shadman gave us a nice platform. It was handy for me. When I joined Joy at the crease, we just focused ball-by-ball, over-by-over and then on to the number of hours, we didn't want to force the issue. We didn't set big goals, like runs or overs. Joy batted well, but I think it would have been a better day had I remained unbeaten at the end too," he added.

New Zealand, who finished the first day with 258 runs for 5 wickets, could not add more than 70 runs today. The Kiwis all out for 328 before lunch, where Miraz took 3 wickets, while Shoriful Islam also took 3 wickets.