New Zealand battle back as Tom Latham hits century in Wellington
Saturday 14 January 2017 10:25, UK
Tom Latham led New Zealand's fightback with an unbeaten century on day three of the opening Test in Wellington, after Bangladesh had posted a monumental 595-8 declared.
By close of play at Basin Reserve, the Kiwi opener had reached 119, after hitting 13 fours from 222 deliveries.
The hosts still need another 104 runs to avoid the follow-on but, on a relatively straight-forward pitch, this should be achievable with a draw already appearing to be the likely result.
Earlier in the day, the tourists moved their overnight score on from 542-7, adding 53 runs for the loss of one wicket.
On Friday, Shakib Al Hasan made history by posting a maiden double century, with his 217 being the highest individual score ever made by a Bangladesh batsman in Tests.
He was supported by 159 from captain Mushfiqur Rahim, while Sabbir Rahman contributed an unbeaten 54 to steer the tourists to their second largest total in the five-day format.
Shakib and Mushfiqur had put on 359 for the fifth wicket in 82.2 overs, having come together on 160-4.
Neil Wagner finished as the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with 4-151, although the Tigers remain in control but needing a strong start to the fourth day on Sunday if they are to give themselves any chance of winning the Test.
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Bangladesh unconventionally opened their bowling with precocious off-spinner Mehedi Hasan who, despite a couple of close calls near the end of the day, went wicketless.
Seamer Kamrul Islam Rabbi made an immediate impact, as his first ball accounted for Jeet Raval, who edged behind for 27 to wicketkeeper Imrul Kayes.
Kane Williamson (53 from 55) and Ross Taylor (40 from 51 balls) both made impressive cameos but neither were able to go on and make a substantial score.
Captain Williamson feathered behind to give debutant Taskin Ahmed his first Test wicket, while Taylor guided a shorter ball from Kamrul straight to square leg.
Instead it was Latham who was the mainstay of the innings and, despite riding his luck on occasions, reached three figures off 167 balls - for his sixth Test ton.
Left-hander Henry Nicholls had reached 35 not out off 96 deliveries before bad light brought an early end to the day.
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