Wellington Test: Williamson, bowlers power Kiwis to unlikely win over Bangladesh

Wellington [New Zealand], Jan.16 (ANI): Skipper Kane Williamson struck a quick-fire unbeaten century under immense pressure to guide New Zealand to an improbable seven-wicket win against Bangladesh on the final day of the opening Test at the Basin Reserve here on Monday. Chasing a target of 217 runs to win, the home side lost openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval for cheaply 16 and 13 runs, respectively. Subsequently, Williamson led from the front as he smashed 15 boundaries in his 90-ball knock besides sharing a 163-run stand with Ross Taylor (60) for the third wicket to ensure his side take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. It was also Williamson's 15th Test century, the fourth-fastest in the fourth-innings in all Tests. He missed Gilbert Jessop's record - set in 1902 - by 13 deliveries. A draw, however, had been the most likely result until late on the fourth day when the hosts took three late wickets to give themselves a sniff of the unlikely victory. Trent Boult bagged three wickets while Mitchell Santner and Neil Wagner scalped two wickets each to help his side bundle out Bangladesh for mere 160 runs in their second innings. Tom Latham was declared `Man of the Match` for scoring brilliant 177 runs to help his side post a first-innings score of 539 runs in reply to Bangladesh' total of 595 declared. Bangladesh will now aim to level the series when they take on New Zealand in their second Test beginning January 20 at the Hagley Oval. (ANI)