Bangladesh vs. New Zealand: Scorecard, Recap and Analysis for Day 4 of 1st Test

Day 4, Close of Play: New Zealand lead by 85 runs with 9 wickets remaining.

New Zealand: 469 (Williamson 114) & 117-1 (Fulton 44*)

Bangladesh: 501 (Haque 181 & Gazi 101)

Bangladesh battled to a first-innings lead on Day 4 of the 1st Test, securing a 32-run lead over New Zealand ahead of each team’s second innings. The visitors then responded well in their second innings to close on 117-1 with Peter Fulton 44 not out and a lead of 85.

Bangladesh’s Sohag Gazi was the star of the day and he made his maiden test ton with a gritty knock of 101 from 232 deliveries. 

It’s been a Test match dominated by the batsmen and there were no indications this was going to change on the fourth day.

New Zealand posted an initial first-innings total of 469, which looked somewhat below par. Kane Williamson starred for the visitors with a superb knock of 114. Things looked to be going New Zealand’s way not long after as Bangladesh found themselves 8-2 at the start of their first innings.

The visitors' tails were up and at this point they would have been hopeful of skittling out the hosts in double-quick time.

But Bangladesh battled hard through Monimul Haque, who made an excellent 181 from 377 balls to help his team back into the contest. He was supported well by Gazi and there were useful contributions down the order from Roibul Islam (33 from 109 balls) and Nasir Hossain (46 from 84 balls).

Their total of 501 represents only the third time ever Bangladesh have surpassed 500 runs in a Test match.

The hosts were all out before lunch on Day 4 and thus had the chance to bowl for most of the day. Some early wickets from Bangladesh could have put serious pressure on the New Zealand batsmen, but despite snaffling Hamish Rutherford with New Zealand 48-1, there looked to be very little in the pitch for the Bangladeshi bowling attack.

"

Rain coming in now - players off, covers on. Coming in pretty heavy now... ^RI

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 12, 2013"

Rain came late in the day and New Zealand closed on 117-1 with Peter Fulton 44 not out and Kane Williamson 28 not out.

With just one day remaining and rain a distinct possibility tomorrow, this one looks to be fizzling out towards a draw, a result both sides would probably be happy with in a series opener.

Due to the early finish today, Day 5 will get underway at the slightly earlier time of 4am BST. 

"

Rain coming in now - players off, covers on. Coming in pretty heavy now... ^RI

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) October 12, 2013"