Wellington: Ross Taylor scored a double century, punishing Bangladesh for dropped catches as New Zealand gave themselves a shot at second Test victory on Monday despite losing two days to rain in Wellington.
The hosts raced past the Bangladesh first innings total of 211 in the third over after lunch on day four. Taylor then edged a Mustafixur Rahman delivery to the keeper when he was at 200 and after BJ Watling’s wicket the hosts declared their innings at 432 for six, 221 ahead.
Bangladesh were punished especially for dropping Taylor twice when he was on 20. Taylor. New Zealand were in no mood to settle for a draw as they pushed to wrap up the three-match series with a game to spare having comprehensively won the first Test.
They plundered 334 runs off just 64 overs on Monday for the loss of one wicket. After declaring their innings, Bangladesh played 23 overs in the final session and are left in a state of bother as they lost three wickets, finishing the day at 80 for three.
Trent Boult picked up two wickets, dismissing Tamim Iqbal and Mominul Haque. Matt Henry picked up the wicket of Shadman Islam to end the day on a high for the hosts.
In the morning session, Williamson and Taylor had raced along at nearly six an over in the morning even though the green wicket continued to support the bowlers and many of the runs in their 172-run stand came from nicks and edges that skirted the slips cordon.
Their experience from their combined 162 Tests was evident up against the 17 Tests in total for the Bangladesh pace trio of Abu Jayed, Ebadat Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman. Williamson, who twice needed attention to his shoulder, smacked 11 fours and a six before he was caught and bowled by Taijul Islam. Taylor took 97 balls to reach his century with a huge six over long-on from the bowling of Taijul. As he neared his third double century he had hit 19 fours and four sixes.
The hundred took Taylor past his mentor, the late Martin Crowe, and into second on the New Zealand list of top Test century makers, two behind Williamson who has 20.
Williamson undergoes scan
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson was taken to hospital Monday, midway through the second Test against Bangladesh, for scans on his injured left shoulder.
Williamson injured the shoulder while diving in the field on Sunday and twice needed attention by medical staff when he batted. Despite the discomfort, Williamson made 74 before he was dismissed.