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Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo says all the pressure on Black Caps in second test

Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo believes all the pressure is on the Black Caps as they attempt to avoid a first home test series defeat since 2017.

The Tigers’ stunning eight wicket upset at Mount Maunganui has breathed fresh life into a series many thought the world test champion Black Caps would comfortably win 2-0.

No-one outside the Bangladesh playing group could have predicted such a result, which has placed New Zealand in a must-win position for the second test, starting Sunday at Hagley Oval.

Bangladesh only require a draw in Christchurch to capture the series 1-0, which would easily be their biggest away test series triumph, having won in the West Indies and Zimbabwe.

Domingo was bracing for a vastly improved New Zealand side at Hagley and said they would be feeling the weight of expectation following their first test loss. New Zealand have not lost a test series at home, since South Africa won the three-match series 1-0 in 2017, earning victory at the Basin Reserve.

“When you’re playing test match cricket the margins are so small and they’ll know they need to be on the top of their game to make sure they win this game and level the series.

“They’ll probably be under a little bit of pressure being at home, Bangladesh not expected to beat them at all. They’ll be under a little bit of pressure going into [the] game.”

It had been a special couple of days for the Bangladesh squad after their historic victory, their first test win against New Zealand from 16 matches, and just their sixth away test win from 61 matches.

Ensuring the memorable Mount Maunganui performance wasn’t simply a one-off was important. Domingo said the Bangladesh players were a level-headed bunch and knew they had to back up their strong showing.

Bangladesh fans show their support during day five of the first test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.
Bangladesh fans show their support during day five of the first test against New Zealand at Mount Maunganui.

With many Bangladesh players early in their test careers he said they were not daunted by the prospect of taking on New Zealand, and had played with freedom, which served them well.

“It’s a young side, so they don’t come here with all the scars that maybe some of the older players have gained from playing against New Zealand so many times.

“Look, there’s just a really good spirit in the side at the moment – good energy, a lot of young players that are trying to make a career in Bangladesh cricket, so very driven and determined.

Bangladesh's Taijul Islam, top left, celebrates catching Trent Boult as his side edge closer to victory in the first test.
Bangladesh’s Taijul Islam, top left, celebrates catching Trent Boult as his side edge closer to victory in the first test.

“They want to try and do what no other Bangladeshi side has done before and that is win a series in New Zealand. They’re halfway there, the job isn’t done.”

Bangladesh have traditionally struggled to string together consistent performances over five days in test cricket, proving more competitive in 50-over and T20 matches.

Beating New Zealand away from home for the first time was a watershed moment for the side, who sit a lowly ninth in the test world rankings.

If Bangladesh could produce a stunning away test series win over the Black Caps, Domingo believed it would only lead to positive spinoffs for cricket in the country.

There would be a greater focus on the long form game and it would help motivate the next generation of Bangladesh cricketers to follow in their footsteps.

“If we can do something [in New Zealand] anything is possible in Bangladesh. There’s so many people, so many cricketers, so much passion. You never know where it can take the country’s cricket.

“A big result here will do wonders for test match cricket in Bangladesh.”

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