Hamilton (New Zealand): New Zealand’s first innings record 715 for six, including a double century from Kane Williamson, put them in total control of the first Test against Bangladesh after three days on Saturday.
New Zealand’s huge total gave them their biggest ever first innings lead of 481 and by stumps, with two days remaining, Bangladesh were 174 for four, still 307 behind.
On an explosive day of batting in which 438 runs were scored, Tamim Iqbal gave Bangladesh a flying start to their reply as they raced to 88 without loss. But when Neil Wagner’s relentless barrage of bouncers captured the wicket of Shadman Iqbal for 37, it quickly became 126 for four. Mominul Haque and Mohammad Mithun barely registered and Tamim was caught behind for 76.
The opener ducked under a Tim Southee bouncer but left his bat held high with the ball ricocheting off the periscope into the gloves of BJ Watling.
Soumya Sarkar on 39 with Mahmudullah on 15 held the innings together for 13 overs through to stumps.
New Zealand skipper Williamson resumed the day on 93 and calmly worked his way to his 20th century, the most by a New Zealander, and in his 71st Test he passed 6,000 runs faster and with a better average than any of his countrymen. (AFP)
