New Zealand claw back with quick wickets
Bangladesh have a thin 122-run lead after third day’s play
New Zealand stormed back into the first Test against Bangladesh with three quick wickets to back up a century by Tom Latham and set the stage for an intriguing final day in Wellington.
Bangladesh, seeking a first win over New Zealand, ended the penultimate day yesterday with a 122-run lead on 66 for three but possibly only six wickets in hand after opener Imrul Kayes retired hurt.
Although a draw remains the most likely outcome, both sides have the chance to force the issue should Bangladesh offer a sporting final-day declaration on a pitch still full of runs.
A short-pitched barrage by the Bangladesh quicks and poor shot selection against part-time Mahmudullah stopped the New Zealand first innings at 539.
The tourists built on the 56run lead to be 66 for three at stumps in their second innings with Mominul Haque not out on 10.
Tamim Iqbal made 25 and Imrul was stretchered off after injuring his left hip when diving for a single having made 24.
After New Zealand resumed the fourth day at 292 for three, opener Latham batted on to 177 to ensure the follow-on mark was comfortably passed.
BJ Watling (49) and Mitchell Santner (73) reduced the deficit to less than 100, with Santner and Trent Boult (4 not out) frustrating Bangladesh with a 35-run partnership 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.
Bangladesh tried to rattle the New Zealand tail with short balls. Santner took one fierce blow to the head from Taskin Ahmed and Neil Wagner was hit three times by Kamrul Islam drawing blood from his chin.
Wagner, New Zealand’s short-ball specialist, passed a concussion test and replaced his helmet after the third blow 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.