Latham leads Caps comeback

Cricket365
January 14, 2017

An unbeaten century from opener Tom Latham allowed the Black Caps to close the deficit between themselves and Bangladesh to 303 runs after day three, the tourists had declared on 595/8.

Bangladesh added 53 runs to their overnight total with Sabbir Rahman scoring the bulk of those runs, the allrounder ended on 54 not out.

Sabbir was assisted by tailenders Taskin Ahmed (3) and Kamrul Islam Rabbi (6 not out).

Neil Wagner returned figures of 4 for 151 to end as the pick of a bowling attack that horribly misfired on a green top.

Latham was involved in each of the four partnerships the Black Caps staged as they sought to erase a huge first innings total.

Jeet Raval (27) and Latham put on 54 for the first wicket before the former tried to cut a delivery from Kamrul that held its line and reared off the surface, the batsman got a thick edge through to stand in keeper Imrul Kayes.

Kane Williamson (53 off 55 balls) showed great intent during his innings scoring quickly while Latham performed the anchor role but the skipper could do little to deal with the delivery that dismissed him from Taskin, the ball straightened just outside off to take the edge.

Ross Taylor was well set on 40 from 51 balls when he disappointingly holed out to square leg off the bowling of Kamrul.

Henry Nicholls and Latham put on an unbroken stand of 87 to take New Zealand to 292 for 3 by the close.

Latham ended the day on 119 not out recording his sixth Test century while Nicholls moved to 35 not out.

The pick of the Bangladesh bowlers so far has been Kamrul who ended the day with figures of 2 for 53.