Devon Conway got his second Test hundred (122 in 227 balls) on first match on home soil to help New Zealand reach 258/5 at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test match against Bangladesh at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
Conway was supported by Will Young (52 in 135) after New Zealand lost Tom Latham (1) early. They added 138 for the second wicket before Ross Taylor (31) and Henry Nicholls (32*) chipped in to take New Zealand to a safe position. However, Tom Blundell’s wicket off the last ball of the day will help Bangladesh resume Day 2 on a high.
The Bangladesh attack, led by Shoriful Islam, was incisive in the major parts of Day 1. They conceded just two runs from the first nine overs, and did not give any chance to New Zealand to get away. In fact, had they appealed when Young nicked Shoriful while batting on 27, the match scenario could have been different.
Bangladesh will hope to get the similar sort of start. Barring Nicholls, there is no specialist batter left in the New Zealand line-up, and they should be looking to restrict them to fewer than 300 in the first innings.
However, if Nicholls and Rachin Ravindra manage to survive in the opening hour, New Zealand will be eyeing to get past 350. Tim Southee, who has a knack for scoring runs quickly, will be in focus.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Keep faith in Nicholls. He looked promising on Day 1, and should get a fifty.
- Expect New Zealand fast bowlers to pick all 10 wickets, and Kyle Jamieson to complete his sixth five-wicket haul.