New Zealand vs Bangladesh, 1st Test News: Devon Conway ton boosts hosts, Ross Taylor falls for 31

Devon Conway had made a brilliant start to his Test career when he smashed a double century on debut against England at Lord’s. Now, in his first home Test, Conway started 2022 on a high as he hammered his second century. Conway’s century, combined with a fifty from Will Young and solid contributions from the middle order helped New Zealand to 258/5 at the end of day 1 of the first Test against Bangladesh. For the Bangladesh bowlers, it was the same old story in 2022 as they failed to sustain the momentum.

New Zealand was captained by Tom Latham as Kane Williamson was sidelined with a persistent elbow injury. But, Latham was the first to fall cheaply in bizarre circumstances. Latham inside-edged a back of a length ball onto the pads. But, it flew to the keeper who completed the catch. That was the right start for Bangladesh, but things went quickly downhill from that point in time.

Devon Conway ton boosts New Zealand

Will Young, who had shown tremendous application and discipline, joined Conway and the duo ground the Bangladesh bowlers down. Conway initially survived a close LBW appeal as the umpire did not give it out. The DRS showed that it was the umpire’s call. In the first 10 overs, New Zealand managed just eight runs. In the first hour, the Bangladesh bowlers bowled with tremendous discipline.

Read | T20 World Cup: New Zealand enter final, to face Australia

But, they let the opportunity slip. Conway got going with two fours off Ebadot Hossain. Will Young hung in as the duo steadied the innings. Conway hit two more boundaries to notch the fifty-run partnership. After the lunch break, Bangladesh failed to appeal for a catch as Will Young had an inside edge. Conway notched up his fifty in grand style as he blasted one six and two fours off Mehidy Hasan.

Will Young neared his fifty and notched up the 100-run stand with a couple of fifties. Conway grew in confidence with a couple of fours off Taskin Ahmed. Young notched up his fifty and Bangladesh botched another review. But, Young gifted his wicket away as he misjudged a single and was run-out for 52.

Ross Taylor falls cheaply, Nicholls steadies New Zealand

All eyes were on Ross Taylor, playing in his final Test series. Conway neared his ton by the tea break while Taylor settled in. After the break, Taylor blasted two fours off Ebadot Hossain. Conway neared his ton and Taylor showed his aggression. Conway notched up his hundred in grand style and he acknowledged the applause of the crowd. As the partnership went past fifty, Shoriful Islam struck a big blow as Ross Taylor fell for 31.

Henry Nicholls began aggressively and Conway continued on his merry ways. But, before the second new ball, Liton Das got the massive wicket of Conway. The left-hander tickled a leg-side delivery and he was furious as he walked off. But, luckily he did not hit his bat again. In the semi-final of the ICC World T20 2021, Conway broke his left hand as he punched his bat.

Nicholls and Tom Blundell batted steadily towards stumps. But, in the 88^th over, Blundell dragged a ball from Ebadot Hossain back onto the stumps.