Black Caps reinforced their superiority as they thrashed Bangladesh in the second Test by an innings and 117 runs inside three days at Hagley Oval on Tuesday (January 11). What doubled up the Kiwis' joy was Ross Taylor taking the final wicket in a fairytale finish to his Test career as his side levelled the series 1-1.
Liton Das ramained the lone warrior for Bangladesh with his gritty 102 off 111 balls but it couldn't save his team from blushes who were bundled out for 278 in the second innings after being forced to follow on 385 runs behind. Kyle Jamieson scalped 4/82 which was well complemented by Neil Wagner's 3/77.
After coming from the first Test defeat, New Zealand piled up a mammoth 521-6 to declare their first innings riding on Latham's double-hundred. On the opening day, he fired his 12th Test hundred which he followed up with his career's second double ton on Day 2. He was dismissed on 252 (373), the fourth-highest Test score by a New Zealand captain. Also, this was the highest-ever individual score at the Hagley Oval, Christchurch.
Devon Conway too dazzled with a ton as he struck 109 off 166 to become the first-ever player to record first innings 50+ scores in his first five Tests (200 vs England at Lord's, 80 vs England at Edgbaston, 54 vs India at Southampton, 122 vs Bangladesh at Mount Maunganui).
Meanwhile, Will Young (54) and Tom Blundell (57 not out) played half-centurion knocks.
In reply Bangladesh were bundled out to a paltry 126 as Trent Boult dismantled the opponents with a fiery fifer (5/43) who also completed his 300 Test scalp.
After receiving a follow on, Bangladesh perished on 278 despite Liton's fightback, who remained the lone warrior for them with a centurion knock.
The visitors were far from replicating their miraculous eight-wicket win in the Mount Maunganui Test last week. Nonetheless, they would go home proud of the entertainment they provided in the Test series. For the first time in New Zealand, they played like equals in Tests.
