New Zealand captain Kane Williamson celebrates his 20th test century. Photo / Photosport
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson celebrates his 20th test century. Photo / Photosport
By Niall Anderson at Seddon Park
Are there no test records safe from the wrath of the Black Caps this summer?
Not content with destroying Sri Lanka to record their largest run margin of victory, or Tom Latham's record-breaking 264 against the same opposition, the Black Caps figured it was time to dispatch their third major milestone in their last three tests, smashing an absurd 715-6 in the first innings of their first test against Bangladesh at Hamilton's Seddon Park.
It was the largest score in New Zealand test cricket history, and it was as brutal as it was demoralising. Bangladesh went from being thrilled (121-1 on day one!) to hopeful (The NZ openers are on top, but there's still a chance!) to, by their body language at least, being left utterly resigned to their fate (The test is over!).
To make matters worse, they then lost four wickets before stumps, and still trail by 307 runs. An early finish tomorrow is in store, as is a dire defeat - one that does not bode well for hopes of any competitive cricket in the two tests to follow.
Tim Southee of New Zealand celebrates his wicket of Tamim Iqbal. Photo / Getty
The onslaught was led – as expected – by Black Caps captain Kane Williamson, who caressed his way to an unbeaten 200. It was his second test double century, in the process becoming the fastest Kiwi – and 16th fastest worldwide – to reach 6000 runs.
As he swivelled through a pull shot to bring up the double ton, it also signalled the end of a historic innings, with the Black Caps declaring at 715-6 – the 17th highest test score of all time, and surpassing New Zealand's previous record of 690, achieved against Pakistan in 2014.
It was such a devastating performance that Colin de Grandhomme's unbeaten 76 off 53 balls was a distant fourth in the innings' most impactful contributions. That was because Williamson added his own century – a double at that - to those of Jeet Raval and Latham. It was just the second occasion that New Zealand's top three have all scored centuries in the same innings, and only the 13th time in test history.
As Williamson became the first New Zealander to 20 test centuries, faultlessly offering no chances on the day, his batting partners cashed in as records continue to tumble. Nightwatchman Neil Wagner blasted his highest test score with 47 from 35 balls, BJ Watling added 31, then de Grandhomme went ballistic, bashing five sixes, including one that he hit so hard he tumbled to the ground, to bring New Zealand past the historic 690 mark.
New Zealand's Colin de Grandhomme loses his footing while hitting a record-breaking six. Photo / Photosport
It was a rather fitting way to note a laughable mismatch. In the end, Ross Taylor was the only Black Caps batsman who failed to reach 30, as the hosts claimed their largest first innings lead (481 runs), the highest score at Seddon Park, and consigned poor Mehidy Hasan (2-246) to the most expensive figures of all time for Bangladesh.
They could have aimed for further history – declaring with over seven sessions and 225 overs to go – and despite Bangladesh mustering an 88-run opening stand, their cautiousness proved unnecessary when three wickets fell in four overs.
Tamim Iqbal displayed some resistance once more, hitting a breezy 74, but when Tim Southee bounced him out, the Black Caps moved to the verge of another test win, and, surprise surprise, another record.
