Latham, Conway approach milestones as NZ reach 349/1

Bangladesh coach Russell Domingo, during a pre-match press conference on Saturday, categorically said that whoever won the toss in the second Test in Christchurch Oval would have no hesitation in opting to bowl first.

The green-top surface at Hagley Oval prompted many to think so and hence it was a relief when Bangladesh skipper Mominul Haque won the toss and asked the opposition to bat first. The Bangladesh pacers, who had such a commendable performance in their historic win in the first Test, must have been licking their lips at the sight of the Hagley Oval pitch.

But it didn't take long for all of that expectation to evaporate as the New Zealand batters continued to pile on the runs session after session, with Bangladesh fielding chasing leather all through the opening day's play.

The hosts, who were beaten by eight wickets in Mount Maunganui, reached 349 for the loss of opener Will Young (54) with skipper Tom Latham (186*) and Devon Conway (99*) approaching individual milestones.

The only wicket to fall came in the 38th over of the match bowled by Shoriful Islam, Young offering a catch at point to debutant Naim Sheikh with the team score at 148.

The Kiwis smashed 43 fours and a six in the day as they scored at a brisk rate of 3.87.

Ebadot Hossain, the hero of the first Test, was the most expensive of the Bangladesh bowlers, going at 5.42 in 21 overs for 114 runs.