Anderson century brings three-figure lead

Bangladesh

All-rounder Corey Anderson struck a maiden Test century, as New Zealand reached 419 for eight – and a 137-run lead – on day three of the series decider against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday.

All-rounder Corey Anderson struck a maiden Test century, as New Zealand reached 419 for eight – and a 137-run lead – on day three of the series decider against Bangladesh at the in Mirpur, Dhaka on Wednesday.

Anderson's 116 and complementary, unbeaten half-centuries from wicketkeeper-batsman BJ Watling and tail-ender Ish Sodhi proved the backbone of the tourists' day. Former skipper Ross Taylor, too, welcomed a tidy half-ton to mark his 50th Test match.

The hosts enjoyed success in spinner Shakib Al Hasan's patient five-wicket haul, but support was far and few between on a Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch that brought a solid contest between bat and ball.

The 22-year-old Anderson justified selection ahead of fellow middle-order batsman Dean Brownlie entirely, striking 13 boundaries and twin sixes across a vigil that spanned 200 minutes and 173 deliveries, before debutant Al-Amin Hossain bowled the centurion.

Aspiring all-rounders Doug Bracewell and Neil Wagner didn't last long, falling for 17 and eight respectively, leaving Watling and Sodhi to ensure the total reached 400 and the lead three figures.

The pair, indeed, obliged, sharing an unbroken 84-run inside two dozen overs. Watling's 59 not out was a fitting foil to Sodhi's unbeaten 55. Collectively, they cherished 11 boundaries – and promised more come Thursday.

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