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Late Bangladesh wickets give New Zealand hope on final day

by Sandeep Shivam Sunday 15 January 2017

Mitchell Santner scored 73 and effected two wickets as well

©REUTERS MEDIA EXPRESS

Bangladesh 595-8 dec & 66-3 (Tamim 25) v
New Zealand 539 (Latham 177)
First Test, Wellington, day four
Scorecard

After New Zealand were dismissed for 539 in their first innings, Bangladesh found themselves in trouble at 66 for three at stumps on day four of the first Test in Wellington.

With Imrul Kayes also retired hurt, Bangladesh are currently leading by 122 runs with seven wickets in hand heading into the final day.

New Zealand resumed the day at 292 for three with Tom Latham (177) and Henry Nicholls (53) at the crease. After Bangladesh picked the second new ball, the duo completed a 100-run stand.

In the 85th over, Latham brought his highest score in Tests going past 137 while Nicholls completed his third Test fifty in the next over.

With a boundary in the 90th over, Latham reached his 150 and the 142-run stand finally ended when Shakib Al Hasan (2-78) had Nicholls caught at leg slip.

Latham had a reprieve when Mehedi Hasan (0-116) dropped him in the second slip while Colin de Grandhomme (14) struck a six and a four but failed to carry on, giving Subashis Roy (2-89) his first international wicket.

New Zealand went into lunch at 402 for six after Latham was trapped LBW by Shakib in 111th over.

Any chance of a Bangladesh comeback was put to rest when BJ Watling (49) and Mitchell Santner (73 not out) stitched a 73-run stand to take the total well past the 450-run mark.

A double strike from Mahmudullah (2-15) removed Watling and Tim Southee (1) in quick succession, Santner ensured New Zealand ended their innings at 539, trailing Bangladesh by just 56 runs.

Even though, Tamim Iqbal (25) and Kayes (24 retired out) gave a solid 46-run opening stand, the latter was stretchered off the field after hurting his hip.

In the next over, Iqbal was castled by Santner (1-19) while Mahmudullah (5) nicked one to the keeper off Neil Wagner (1-14).

In the final ball of the day, nightwatchman Mehedi (1) was run out and Bangladesh were reduced to 66 for three, extending their lead to 122 runs.