New Zealand vs Bangladesh 2019: New Zealand post their highest ever Test total

After rising to the No. 2 spot in the latest ICC Test rankings, New Zealand posted their highest ever total of 715 for 6 declared against Bangladesh during the third day of the first Test played at Seddon Park, Hamilton.

New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had won the toss and decided to field first. A good bowling display by the hosts helped them to bowl out Bangladesh for a modest total of 234 runs in the first innings.

The New Zealand openers Jeet Raval and Tom Latham then ended the first day in a strong position at 86 for 0.

Raval and Latham plundered the Bangladeshi bowling on the second day, putting on 254 runs for the 1st wicket. It was an amazing display by both batsmen, with Raval making 132 and Latham scoring 161.

After Williamson came in, he played with lots of authority and remained not out on 200. Williamson added a good partnership with Henry Nicholls who scored 53, while Neil Wagner (47), BJ Watling (31) and Colin de Grandhomme's quickfire 76 not out helped the hosts declare their innings on a massive 715 for 6.

This was New Zealand's first 700-plus total ever. Their previous highest total in Test matches came against Pakistan at Sharjah. Pakistan scored 351 runs in the first innings and then the Kiwis racked up 690. In the second innings, Pakistan were bowled out for 259 runs which gave the Kiwis victory by an innings and 80 runs.

Their next highest total came against India at Wellington in February 2014. They posted 680 for 8 declared thanks to Brendon McCullum's 302, BJ Watling's 124 and Jimmy Neesham's 137 not out. As a result of McCullum's marathon knock, the match ended in a draw.

In January 1991, New Zealand posted 671 for 4 after being bowled out for 174 runs in the first innings. Sri Lanka scored 497 runs in their first innings.