'We can, we definitely can'

Bangladesh ODI skipper Tamim Iqbal left an ardent message on social media to acknowledge the incredible eight-wicket win Bangladesh registered against New Zealand in the first Test at the Bay Oval today. 

"Amazing win, historic win. Congratulations to the entire squad," Tamim wrote at the beginning of a long Facebook post.

The left-handed opener, who is missing the Test series due to an injury, gave a special shout-out to Bangladesh's Test skipper Mominul Haque, who led the side to this incredible victory.  

"When the team went through a rough patch, when no one believed in the team, when the players doubted themselves, there was one person who still did not lose faith. He kept on believing and tried to instill the belief in everyone that 'we can, we definitely can'. There were bad days and poor performances. But that did not see him lose faith on the team. His emotions for Test cricket is immense and he prioritises the format most. 

Mominul Haque. Hats off to our Test skipper," Tamim added.  

Tamim also hailed the team's collaborative effort that saw them make history against all the odds. 

"Year after year, series after series, we returned empty-handed from New Zealand. For many reasons, the situation was even tougher this time. But this team managed a win amid all these setbacks. It is one of the toughest things in cricket nowadays to beat New Zealand in their home. And we showed that we can!" Tamim continued. 

Bangladesh Test skipper Mominul Haque after the match. Photo: AFP

Bangladesh had produced plenty of individual brilliance against New Zealand in their home. But none of those could help the Tigers win on Kiwi soil as they lost 32 matches straight across formats away to New Zealand. 

But their 33rd encounter was different. This time Bangladesh played as a team. After Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Najmul Hossain Shanto struck fifties and skipper Mominul Haque and Liton Das scored in the 80s to help Bangladesh pile up a mammoth first innings total and take a lead, their efforts were duly backed up by the likes of Ebadot Hossain, Taskin Ahmed and Mehedi Hasan Miraz. 

Ebadot almost single-handedly turned the game around in the second innings, bagging a six-for which is now the best figure by a Bangladeshi pacer in Tests away from home. 

Meanwhile, Shoriful Islam's diving catch at short midwicket to dismiss Kyle Jamieson and substitute Taijul Islam's absolute blinder in the outfield to get rid of Trent Boult only inspired the bowlers who were giving their all in the middle.   

"The best thing about this win is that it is a result of collaborative effort. No amount of praise is enough for Ebadot's [Hossain] bowling. From [Mahmudul Hasan] Joy to [Najmul Hossain] Shanto, from Liton [Das] to [Mehedi Hasan] Miraz and even Taijul [Islam], who took spectacular catch after coming on as a substitute -- this win is the result of everyone's effort," Tamim mentioned.