New Zealand reach 42 without loss at stumps

CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand made a solid start to a daunting run chase, reaching 42 without loss at stumps on the fourth day of the second cricket Test against England after being set 382 to win.

Tom Latham was 25 not out and Jeet Raval 17 when stumps were drawn more than an hour early yesterday because of bad light, leaving New Zealand needing 340 to win on the last day.

The New Zealand openers saw off the immediate threat of the new ball and set a foundation for the series hosts to push for victory.

“We’re in a position where all three results are still possible tomorrow, which is exciting,” New Zealand batsman Henry Nicholls said.

“The work that Tom and Jeet did tonight and the work the entire batting group has to do tomorrow will be a good challenge but one we’re looking forward to.”

A successful run chase would be unlikely but not impossible with 10 wickets in hand and 98 overs to be bowled on a relatively docile pitch.

England captain Joe Root declared at 352-9 midway through the second session yesterday after England led by 29 on the first innings.

If New Zealand reach their target, they will be the fourth-highest successful run chase in Test history.

The West Indies hold the record at 418 against Australia in 2003.

New Zealand’s highest fourth-innings total of 451 was against England at Christchurch in 2002, but they still lost that match by 98 runs.

The timing of Root’s declaration was influenced by a flurry of wickets on either side of lunch. — AP