OTD| New Zealand’s highest Test total of 715 was registered courtesy of Kane Williamson’s double-century

In this article, we will discuss the On This Day | New Zealand‘s highest Test total of 715 was registered courtesy of Kane Williamson’s double-century NZ. The Kiwi team has been at the forefront of world cricket with their consistent performances in the last few years. On this day in 2019, New Zealand registered their highest total in Test cricket and it was the captain Kane Williamson who made this possible. The Kiwi captain smashed a double century to lead his team to a massive total of 715 runs in the first innings of the Test match against Bangladesh. 

Captain leads from the front

The 2-match Test series between New Zealand and Bangladesh started in Hamilton with the home team winning the toss and electing to bowl first. The Kiwi bowlers knew how to take advantage of familiar conditions but they were countered by the inimitable Tamim Iqbal. The experienced Bangladesh opener started the first innings on a different note. The left-hander had a positive mindset as he tried to keep the scoreboard moving. 

Tamim achieved success in his venture as he scored 126 runs off just 128 balls but there was a lack of assistance from the other end. This inability of other batters to stay on the wicket for long helped New Zealand to keep themselves in the game. The Kiwis took wickets at regular intervals which led to Bangladesh getting bowled out for 234 runs in the first innings. 

In reply, New Zealand got off to a wonderful start in their batting stint. Openers Jeet Raval and Tom Latham added 254 runs for the first wicket and took the team beyond the opposition’s total. The rest was done by captain Kane Williamson who consolidated this lead with his outstanding double century. He stayed unbeaten until New Zealand declared the first innings with 715/6 on the board. The Kiwis took a massive lead in the first innings which helped them clinch the match comfortably. Bangladesh showed some resilience in the second innings as they scored 429 runs but it was not enough to bridge the gap and eventually, the visitors lost the match by an innings and 52 runs. Kane Williamson was awarded the Player of the Match for his unbeaten double-century in the first innings.