In reply to Bangladesh’s 234 in the first innings, New Zealand dominated four sessions since then. On day two of the first Test at the Seddon Park, Hamilton, the Kiwis entirely walked over their opponents. Courtesy twin tons from the openers, Jeet Raval (132) and Tom Latham (161), New Zealand, have taken a lead of 217 at stumps. Not only this but their skipper, Kane Williamson is also nearing his hundred against the Tigers. Among the bowlers, the part-time medium pacer, Soumya Sarkar picked two wickets while others went for runs.
Raval, Latham put NZ on track
Both the left-handed batsmen began the day on a resounding note – hitting boundaries more often than not. As Bangladesh lacked quality bowlers on the list, the duo made the best of the situation. It was about time before Raval completed his maiden Test hundred. A few overs later, wicketkeeper-batsman, Tom Latham also completed the three-digit mark. The pair added 254 runs for the first wicket before the captain, Mahmudullah got the better off Raval on 132. In his knock, Jeet hit 19 boundaries and a solitary six.
On the other hand, the experienced Latham was looking upbeat to score more. Joined by Kane Williamson, the pair added 79 runs for the second wicket. As Tom had completed 150 runs, he set his eyes on his maiden double ton in Tests. However, Soumya Sarkar gave the Tigers a critical breakthrough in the name of Latham on 161.
Kane, Nicholls gave finishing touches
After picking up the openers, Bangladesh must be taking a sigh of relief. Their confidence suffered a beating when Kane and Henry Nicholls paired only to pile more runs. Of late the New Zealand captain had been out of touch – looking back at his limited-overs series against Sri Lanka and India, where he didn’t hit a single century. However, taking time and sticking around seemed to have done the wonder for him. Though he didn’t reach the century yet, Kane is unbeaten on 93 off 132 at stumps on day two.
Besides, Henry Nicholls also collected a fifty to his name. Though he got out on 53 off Mehidy Hasan, New Zealand ended day two on 451 for four.
Here is the scorecard of New Zealand’s first innings at stumps on day two –
