Tigers repeatedly frustrated with Kiwis not slowing down

New Zealand are determined to stamp their authority for the first time in this Test series as the hosts have piled up an impressive 144 without loss in 36 overs on the first day of the Christchurch Test today.

Tom Latham approaches three figures, not out on 92 off 113 deliveries while Will Young, unlike his partner, reached his fifty in typical Test fashion and is unbeaten on 52 off 103 balls faced.   

Following resumption after Lunch, a glorious chance went begging for Bangladesh in the very first over when a diving Liton Das dropped a catch at second slip after Will Young nicked Ebadot Hossain. New Zealand ran three after the dropped catch and later were awarded a total of seven odd runs as wicket-keeper Nurul Hasan Sohan's aim at the non-striker's end resulted in an overthrow, which bowler Ebadot ended up chasing all the way to the boundary, albeit unsuccessfully.

Taskin Ahmed resumed from the other end and almost produced an edge off Tom Latham. The next over, Ebadot was frustrated again by his fielders as Mehedi Hasan Miraz needlessly caused an overthrow to the boundary this time.   

Bangladesh appears to be desperate for a wicket, but their desperation is getting the better of them, as seen by the lapses in the field and by failing to build up pressure, resulting in a lack of containment of runs, unlike what was seen in the previous Test from the Tigers. New Zealand had cruised along to 118 by the end of 30 overs, with a staggering run rate of near four per over.

Miraz was introduced in the 35th over as skipper Mominul Haque has operated, and understandably so, with his pace trio so far. Taskin, Ebadot and Shoriful Islam have bowled 14, 11 and 10 overs, respectively.

Even though the quicks failed to grab a victim, the intensity and the effort shown cannot be questioned. And despite the Kiwis' brilliant start, it would not be easy for the new batters when they arrive in the middle.