New Zealand win indication that Bangladesh are improving as a Test nation: Mominul

Bangladesh created history with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in the first Test in Mount Maunganui on Wednesday (January 5). This was also their first-ever win in New Zealand across formats.

Speaking of the win, Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque stated that it was important to keep the legacy of Test cricket alive in his country and was an indication that the Tigers were improving as a Test nation.

''I cannot express my feelings in words as it is unbelievable. To be honest, I could not sleep last night thinking what will happen today. We needed to win this Test match to keep the legacy of Test cricket (alive in our country),'' Mominul told reporters after the match.

''I think this is an indication that we are improving as a Test nation. After the Pakistan series, everyone was eager to do well in Tests and it was reflected in all three departments. 

"Everyone helped each other and the coaching staff was extremely supportive. Mushfiq bhai (Mushfiqur Rahim) was the most experienced and he was the most involved and spoke with me a lot. He is a very emotional guy and helped me a lot as I am a young captain. We get the result when we play as a team and that was important," he added.

Fast bowler Ebadot Hossain picked up six wickets in the second innings and was adjudged the player of the match for his performance. Miminul says that he is not surprised by the pacer's performance.

 ''For the last two to three years, Ebadot is working very hard. He was a volleyball player for the Air Force. Our coaching staff worked with him, so that he can bowl in the right areas. We were expecting something like this from him. So I am not surprised. For the last two to three years, our bowling coach worked hard with him and it is the result of his hard work."

New Zealand skipper Tom Latham dismissed claims that his side underestimated Bangladesh. "We know we've got to turn up and play our brand of cricket and unfortunately we couldn't quite do that for five days here." 

The series continues with the second Test in Christchurch, starting Sunday (January 9)