Watling century puts New Zealand in control

Wicketkeeper BJ Watling led an impressive New Zealand fightback in its first Test against Bangladesh in Chittagong on Thursday (October 9) with a career-best 103 to help the visitors post 469 in its first innings after being at a precarious 282 for 7 at one stage.

Bangladesh was 103 for 2 in reply at stumps following a swashbuckling innings from Mominul Haque, the 22-year-old, who smashed an unbeaten 77 off 71 balls, his innings inclusive of 13 boundaries.

Mominul shared an unbroken stand of 95 with the debutant Marshall Ayub for third-wicket after two wickets had fallen for just eight runs before the fourth over. Ayub remained unbeaten on 21 at the end of day's play.

Earlier, Trent Boult, who came in at No. 11, also hit a personal best of an unbeaten 52, helping Watling add invaluable 127 runs for the last wicket.

Watling, who was on four when he was caught off a Rubel Hossain no-ball, reached his second century with a six off Abdur Razzak. His creditable effort, inclusive of six boundaries and two sixes, ended just at the stroke of tea when he was stumped off Mominul, the eighth bowler deployed by the hosts.

Earlier, New Zealand, on 280 for 5 overnight, lost Bruce Martin and Corey Anderson in the first two overs of the day. Martin was caught behind while Anderson edged Razzak to first slip.

But Watling and Doug Bracewell posted 57 for eight wicket before Bracewell (29) gave his wicket away while attempting a rash sweep off Sohag Gazi.