BAN vs NZ: Test series – Top five performers

The two-match Test series between Bangladesh and New Zealand is done and dusted and the series ended up with a 1-1 scoreline. The hosts, the Bangladeshi side defeated the Blackcaps in the opening Test in Sylhet while the visitors bounced back to win the second game and level the series in Dhaka. Throughout the two matches, some quality performers shone entirely for their respective sides and they appear in this article.

Let’s take a look at the top performers from the two-match Test series between BAN and NZ:

1.Glenn Phillips

Destructive middle-order batter Glenn Phillips ended the series as the highest run-getter. The right-handed player smashed 181 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 60.33. Phillips played two vital knocks of 87 and 40* in the second Test that helped the Kiwis level the series. He also won the Player of the Match award in Dhaka for his crucial innings. Notably, he also picked up eight wickets in three innings at an average of 16.37 and the best figures of 4/53.

2.Najmul Hossain Shanto

Bangladesh skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto finished the series as the second-highest run-getter after Phillips. The left-handed player amassed 166 runs in four innings at an average of 41.50, which included a century in the first Test. Shanto also played a knock of 37 in the first innings of the opening game. He handled the dual responsibility of leading the side and scoring runs in the series.

3.Taijul Islam

Bangladeshi spinner Taijul Islam ended the series as the highest wicket-taker. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler also won the Player of the Series award for his 15 wickets at an average of 20.40 and a strike rate of 40.13 with

the best figures of 6/75 in four innings. Notably, Taijul also won the Player of the Match award in Sylhet for figures of 4/109 and 6/75.

4.Ajaz Patel

New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel managed to pick up the second-most wickets after Taijul in the series. The slow left-arm orthodox bowler snared 14 scalps in four innings at an average of 23.92 and a strike-rate of 41.00. Patel delivered a match-winning spell of 6/57 in the second innings in Dhaka where the Kiwis beat the home side by a margin of four wickets.

5.Mehidy Hasan Miraz

All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz has become an integral part of the Bangladeshi team across formats now. The right-handed player scored 93 runs at an average of 31, which also included one half-century. The right-arm off-break bowler also picked up eight wickets at an average of 26.62 with the best figures of 3/52. Mehidy bowled with an economy rate of just 3.29. His scores with the bat read as 20, 50*, 20 and 3.