Batting feast at the Basin Reserve

– New Zealand stormed back into the first Test against Bangladesh yesterday, with three quick wickets to back up a Tom Latham (right) century and set the stage for an intriguing final day in Wellington.

After being on the back foot for most of the first four days, New Zealand were boosted by reducing Bangladesh to 66/3 in their second innings, 122 ahead.

A short-pitched barrage by the Bangladesh quicks and poor shot selection against part-time spinner Mahmudullah ended the New Zealand first innings at 539.

After New Zealand resumed the fourth day at 292/3, opener Latham batted on to 177 to ensure the follow-on mark was com-

Wellington

fortably passed.

BJ Watling (49) and Mitchell Santner (73) reduced the deficit to under 100, with Santner and Trent Boult (4 not out) frustrating Bangladesh with a 35-run stand for the final wicket.

Santner lofted Shakib Al Hasan over the long-on boundary for six, his third of the innings, to overtake his previous best 71 against India at Kanpur four months ago.

Neil Wagner was hit three times by Kamrul Islam, drawing blood from his chin.

He passed a concussion test and replaced his helmet, only to be dismissed two balls later for 18.

Despite the pace barrage, it was part-time spinner Mahmudullah who broke through the Watling-Santner partnership.

The pair put on 73 to reach 471/6, but the innings was all over 68 runs later.

Mahmudullah’s first ball was short, but Watling scooped it into the hands of wicketkeeper Imrul.

With his fifth ball, Mahmudullah had Tim Southee trapped in front for one. –