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New Zealand will have to reflect back on what has been a disappointing World Test Championship (WTC) so far. The eight-wicket defeat to Bangladesh means, Kiwis will now have to win the second Test to avoid a series defeat at home. This also means New Zealand’s chances of securing a place in the WTC finals are slim.
The Black caps last lost a Test match at home in 2017 against South Africa. Proteas won that game by eight wickets chasing a target of 81 runs. This is also the first time since 2011 an Asian team has won a Test match in this part of the world.
For the current World Test Champions New Zealand, the new cycle of WTC couldn’t have started on a much sour note. The Kiwis lost 0-1 to Virat Kohli’s men in India, the same team that they defeated three times in the previous edition of WTC, including the final at Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
The absence of Kane Williamson is making things vulnerable for New Zealand. The Kiwi skipper has been sidelined due to elbow tendon injury. The recurring injury also forced Williamson to miss the second Test against India in Mumbai, where New Zealand went down by a record 372 runs.
The omission of Ajaz Patel from the Bangladesh series raised many eyebrows among fans. Patel had picked all 10 wickets in an innings against India in Mumbai. Even Neil Wagner, who has proven to be an asset for the Blackcaps in red-ball cricket, was not picked for the India series.
New Zealand are all set to host South Africa in a two-match Test series. Later on the Kiwis are expected to tour Pakistan for two Test matches. The Pakistan tour is expected to be the most difficult challenge going ahead. Soon after that New Zealand will host Sri Lanka for another two Test matches and conclude their WTC league phase.
Both New Zealand and Bangladesh will face off on Sunday (January 9) for the second and the last Test in Christchurch. Bangladesh would be eyeing a first ever series win in New Zealand, whereas Kiwis would look to level the series.
