Shakib Al Hasan hits 217, highest ever Test score for Bangladesh

Seamer Kamrul Islam Rabbi made an immediate impact, though, as his first ball accounted for Jeet Raval, who edged behind for 27 to back-up wicketkeeper Imrul Kayes, standing in for Mushfiqur, with the Tigers captain off the field due to a thumb injury.

As soon as Mehedi was out, stumps was called, which left Mominul Haque unbeaten on 10 off 13 balls, which included one boundary.

Day Four of the first Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand saw some enthralling cricket being played.

If New Zealand grab quick wickets on the final morning, the hosts could be chasing a very manageable target for victory.

The home team looked on course for an even bigger total, but Bangladesh found an unexpected weapon in Mahmudullah’s part-time offspin.

Tim Southee, usually noted for his economy, had taken 2-132 from 27 overs by tea, conceding nearly five runs per over; Trent Boult who struggled with cramp late in the session had taken 1-106 from 25 overs at 4.24 runs per over.

Late wickets on the fourth day of the opening Test hurt Bangladesh’s hard earned advantage as they slipped from 46 for no loss to 66 for 3 on Sunday (January 15), with the lead reading only 122.

Latham held firm, adding 58 runs to his overnight score before he was trapped lbw by Shakib Al Hasan (2-78).

Latham negotiated New Zealand past the follow-on before his innings ended three runs later, 14 balls before lunch.

Mushfiqur, who was on 13 runs at the time he was struck in the 43rd over, about 45 minutes before lunch, was already batting with a broken finger and leading Bangladesh’s effort to save a test it had dominated by nearly four days. The pair had put on 73 after Latham’s dismissal to reach 471 for 6 when Mahmudullah came into the attack and the innings was all over 68 runs later.

Shortly afterwards fellow opener Tamim Iqbal was bowled by Mitchell Santner for 25 and then Mahmadullah was caught behind off Neil Wagner.

As the strong northerly winds that caused havoc on day one returned in the afternoon session Saturday, Latham had taken a leaf out of the Bangladesh playbook and carefully chosen the moments to punish the bowling.

FIFTY! Henry Nicholls picks up his third Test fifty hitting Taskin Ahmed’s delivery past square leg for three runs.