England leaves Kiwis daunting target of 382 in Christchurch Test

Posted on Apr 2 2018 - 4:06pm by cricketherald

New Zealand ended the fourth day’s play of the NZ vs Eng 2nd Test at Christchurch at 42 for no loss in 23 overs on Monday after being set a daunting target of 382 runs.

Related Links : Eng Tour of NZ Schedule | Scorecard of NZ vs Eng 2nd Test at Christchurch

It was a curtailed day’s play at the Hagley Oval with the start delayed by dew and later in the evening, play was called off due to bad light. However, England believes that there is enough in the pitch to help them take 10 New Zealand wickets on the final day.

Resuming the fourth day’s play of the NZ vs Eng 2nd Test at Christchurch at 202 for 3, England expanded their overnight lead of 231 to 381. Skipper Joe Root scored 54 while Dawid Malan contributed 53. Wicket keeper batsman Jonny Bairstow chipped in with 36 before England declared their second innings at 352 for 9.

Colin de Grandhomme was the most successful bowler for the Kiwis taking 4 for 94 in the English second innings.

At stumps on Day 4 of the NZ vs Eng 2nd Test at Christchurch, New Zealand openers did a good job with Tom Latham on 25* and Jeet Raval on 17*.

England, who were put into bat first after losing the toss, had scored 307 in their first innings. Stuart Broad and James Anderson ran through the Kiwi first innings to bowl out the hosts for 278 to give England a modest first innings lead of 29 runs. During the crucial third day’s play, England moved into the driver’s seat thanks to opener Mark Stoneman’s 60 and James Vince’s 76.

The NZ vs Eng 2nd Test at Christchurch is a must-win match for England to draw the 2-Test series after their embarrassing defeat in the day/night first Test match at Auckland where they were bowled out for just 58 in their first innings.