The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Richardson offered condolences to the victims and their families of Christchurch mosque shooting.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/49-killed-in-christchurch-mosque-attack-one-person-charged-new-zealand-police-203495">At least 49 people died</a> in attacks on two mosques during Friday prayers in what appeared to be the worst assault on Muslims in a Western country.&nbsp;

"Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to families and friends of those affected by this horrendous incident in Christchurch," said Richardson.&nbsp;

"Both teams, staff and match officials are safe and ICC fully supports the decision to cancel the Test match," he added.&nbsp;

The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting.&nbsp;

The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers.&nbsp;

New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board.&nbsp;

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said the attack was an "unprecedented act of violence" and "one of New Zealand's darkest days".&nbsp;

"This is significant and I can tell you now this is and will be one of New Zealand's darkest days. I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence, an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand. This is not who we are," she said.&nbsp;

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Richardson offered condolences to the victims and their families of Christchurch mosque shooting. At least 49 people died in attacks on two mosques during Friday prayers in what appeared to be the worst assault on Muslims in a Western country.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) chief David Richardson offered condolences to the victims and their families of Christchurch mosque shooting. At least 49 people died in attacks on two mosques during Friday prayers in what appeared to be the worst assault on Muslims in a Western country. "Our thoughts and sincere condolences go out to families and friends of those affected by this horrendous incident in Christchurch," said Richardson. "Both teams, staff and match officials are safe and ICC fully supports the decision to cancel the Test match," he added. The third cricket Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh has been cancelled in the wake of a shooting. The visiting team narrowly avoided the shooting after arriving at the mosque for prayers. New Zealand Cricket said they had decided to cancel the Test, which was scheduled to start at Hagley Oval on Saturday, after discussions with the Bangladesh Cricket Board. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden said the attack was an "unprecedented act of violence" and "one of New Zealand's darkest days". "This is significant and I can tell you now this is and will be one of New Zealand's darkest days. I would describe it as an unprecedented act of violence, an act that has absolutely no place in New Zealand. This is not who we are," she said.

ICC supports decision to cancel Test match between New Zealand and Bangladesh after Christchurch mosque attack

New Zealand have pledged a win-at-all-costs approach to the second Test against Bangladesh, starting in Wellington on Friday, as they look to wrap up the series with a game to spare.

The wicket is green and tailor-made for the early seamers, with New Zealand promising to continue with their short-ball tactic when it flattens out.

"We're looking to win the Test match in whatever way possible. Whatever gives us the best chance that is what we will do," New Zealand opener Tom Latham declared Thursday.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, faced further injury concerns to an already fragile batting line-up with Tamim Iqbal under a cloud and Mushfiqur Rahim unlikely to be fit.

Captain Mahmudullah described Tamim's issue as "a slight niggle" and accepted that "injury is part of the game".&nbsp;

Although neither side has named their match XV, Mahmudullah indicated Bangladesh would make changes given the colour of the wicket and how expensive spinner Mehidy Hasan proved in the first Test.&nbsp;

"We are yet to decide but we are thinking of picking four pace bowlers, given the conditions," he said.&nbsp;

"If you remember, the 2017 wicket was greenish early on too. Batsmen will find it difficult on the first day. There'll be seam movement and swing."

In the Wellington Test two years ago, Bangladesh surprised after being sent into bat with a first innings of 595 for eight declared, only to eventually lose by seven wickets.

Latham, a century-maker in that match, is enjoying another purple home patch with a Test average of more than 200 from three centuries, including an unbeaten 264 in the rain-affected Wellington Test against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Short-ball barrage

Rain is again expected Friday morning, but with fine weather forecast for the remainder of the Test.

Despite the Basin Reserve's bowl-first reputation, Latham had confidence even if New Zealand lose the toss and are put into bat.

"It does look a little bit greener and with a little bit more grass on it (than previously) so, regardless of what the surface plays like it's about us trying to adapt to that surface as quick as possible," Latham said.

"If we are asked to bat it will be a challenge. We haven't batted first a huge amount this summer so if we do I'm certainly looking forward to doing that and taking that challenge on."&nbsp;

Although New Zealand won the first Test comprehensively, they did struggle to take a wicket for a long period in the second innings as Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah delayed the end with a courageous 235-run stand for the fifth wicket.

New Zealand bowling spearhead Trent Boult, who took 10 for 80 against the West Indies in Wellington six years ago, was determined that should not happen again.

"We need to find a way to take wickets and we feel we have the ability in the group to do it," he said, adding the short-ball barrage remained an effective tactic when there was no swing.&nbsp;

"You're not left with many other options. We have Wags (Neil Wagner) who is an expert at being able to execute that plan. It's been pretty effective for us so expect it will be more of the same."

New Zealand have pledged a win-at-all-costs approach to the second Test against Bangladesh, starting in Wellington on Friday, as they look to wrap up the series with a game to spare.

New Zealand have pledged a win-at-all-costs approach to the second Test against Bangladesh, starting in Wellington on Friday, as they look to wrap up the series with a game to spare. The wicket is green and tailor-made for the early seamers, with New Zealand promising to continue with their short-ball tactic when it flattens out. "We're looking to win the Test match in whatever way possible. Whatever gives us the best chance that is what we will do," New Zealand opener Tom Latham declared Thursday. Bangladesh, meanwhile, faced further injury concerns to an already fragile batting line-up with Tamim Iqbal under a cloud and Mushfiqur Rahim unlikely to be fit. Captain Mahmudullah described Tamim's issue as "a slight niggle" and accepted that "injury is part of the game". Although neither side has named their match XV, Mahmudullah indicated Bangladesh would make changes given the colour of the wicket and how expensive spinner Mehidy Hasan proved in the first Test. "We are yet to decide but we are thinking of picking four pace bowlers, given the conditions," he said. "If you remember, the 2017 wicket was greenish early on too. Batsmen will find it difficult on the first day. There'll be seam movement and swing." In the Wellington Test two years ago, Bangladesh surprised after being sent into bat with a first innings of 595 for eight declared, only to eventually lose by seven wickets. Latham, a century-maker in that match, is enjoying another purple home patch with a Test average of more than 200 from three centuries, including an unbeaten 264 in the rain-affected Wellington Test against Sri Lanka. Short-ball barrage Rain is again expected Friday morning, but with fine weather forecast for the remainder of the Test. Despite the Basin Reserve's bowl-first reputation, Latham had confidence even if New Zealand lose the toss and are put into bat. "It does look a little bit greener and with a little bit more grass on it (than previously) so, regardless of what the surface plays like it's about us trying to adapt to that surface as quick as possible," Latham said. "If we are asked to bat it will be a challenge. We haven't batted first a huge amount this summer so if we do I'm certainly looking forward to doing that and taking that challenge on." Although New Zealand won the first Test comprehensively, they did struggle to take a wicket for a long period in the second innings as Soumya Sarkar and Mahmudullah delayed the end with a courageous 235-run stand for the fifth wicket. New Zealand bowling spearhead Trent Boult, who took 10 for 80 against the West Indies in Wellington six years ago, was determined that should not happen again. "We need to find a way to take wickets and we feel we have the ability in the group to do it," he said, adding the short-ball barrage remained an effective tactic when there was no swing. "You're not left with many other options. We have Wags (Neil Wagner) who is an expert at being able to execute that plan. It's been pretty effective for us so expect it will be more of the same."

Ruthless New Zealand look to win second Test against Bangladesh in 'whatever way possible'

New Zealand's first innings record 715 for six, including a double century from skipper Kane Williamson, put them in total control of the first Test against Bangladesh after three days on Saturday.

The hosts breached the 700 barrier for the first time on their way to building a 481 run lead and were six wickets away from the win by stumps.

Bangladesh were 174 for four in the second innings, still 307 behind and with their last two recognised batsmen at the crease.

"Obviously that was historic," batting coach Craig McMillan said after play finished for the day.

"The contributions throughout the innings make it a very special one," he added, describing Williamson's unbeaten 200 as "sublime".

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Williamson declared the innings when he reached the 200 milestone for the second time in his career.

On an explosive day of batting, with a total of 438 runs scored, Tamim Iqbal gave Bangladesh a flying start to their reply as they raced to 88 without loss.&nbsp;

But once Neil Wagner's relentless barrage of bouncers captured the wicket of Shadman Iqbal for 37, the visitors soon stood at 126 for four.

Mominul Haque and Mohammad Mithun barely registered and Tamim was caught behind for 76.

The opener ducked under a Tim Southee bouncer but left his bat held high with the ball ricocheting off the periscope and into the gloves of BJ Watling.

Soumya Sarkar on 39 with Mahmudullah on 15 held the innings together for 13 overs through to stumps.

New Zealand skipper Williamson resumed the day on 93 and calmly worked his way to his 20th century -- the most ever by a New Zealander -- and passed 6,000 Test runs faster and with a better average than any of his countrymen.

At the other end, Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme pounded the bowling as New Zealand piled on 264 runs from 45 overs and went 25 runs past their previous record of 690 against Pakistan in 2014.

Mehidy Hasan bagged two wickets but bore the brunt of the assault, finishing with his side's most expensive Test figures ever of two for 246 from 49 overs.&nbsp;

Pre-lunch, Williamson was content to take a backseat as nightwatchman Wagner blazed away for 47 runs -- 42 from boundaries -- in their 60-run stand.

It was Ebadat Hossain, on debut, who made the breakthrough with his first Test wicket to deny Wagner his maiden fifty when he shaved the edge of the bat, with wicketkeeper Liton Das completing the dismissal.&nbsp;

Domination

Big-hitting Colin de Grandhomme took New Zealand past their previous record score of 690 with a huge six, one of five in his whirlwind innings of 76 not out.

The foundations for New Zealand's domination were laid by openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval with their 254-run partnership after Bangladesh were rolled in their first innings for 234.

Williamson's 100 was only the 13th time in cricket history that the first three batsmen had reached three figures.

New Zealand's first innings record 715 for six, including a double century from skipper Kane Williamson, put them in total control of the first Test against Bangladesh after three days on Saturday.

New Zealand's first innings record 715 for six, including a double century from skipper Kane Williamson, put them in total control of the first Test against Bangladesh after three days on Saturday. The hosts breached the 700 barrier for the first time on their way to building a 481 run lead and were six wickets away from the win by stumps. Bangladesh were 174 for four in the second innings, still 307 behind and with their last two recognised batsmen at the crease. "Obviously that was historic," batting coach Craig McMillan said after play finished for the day. "The contributions throughout the innings make it a very special one," he added, describing Williamson's unbeaten 200 as "sublime". Williamson, Wagner and de Grandhomme lit up Hamilton as New Zealand put themselves in a strong position for victory in the first Test. #NZvBAN DAY 3 REPORT 👇https://t.co/ah1AZ9urQ8 pic.twitter.com/YWXZPIDndJ — ICC (@ICC) March 2, 2019 × Williamson declared the innings when he reached the 200 milestone for the second time in his career. On an explosive day of batting, with a total of 438 runs scored, Tamim Iqbal gave Bangladesh a flying start to their reply as they raced to 88 without loss. But once Neil Wagner's relentless barrage of bouncers captured the wicket of Shadman Iqbal for 37, the visitors soon stood at 126 for four. Mominul Haque and Mohammad Mithun barely registered and Tamim was caught behind for 76. The opener ducked under a Tim Southee bouncer but left his bat held high with the ball ricocheting off the periscope and into the gloves of BJ Watling. Soumya Sarkar on 39 with Mahmudullah on 15 held the innings together for 13 overs through to stumps. New Zealand skipper Williamson resumed the day on 93 and calmly worked his way to his 20th century -- the most ever by a New Zealander -- and passed 6,000 Test runs faster and with a better average than any of his countrymen. At the other end, Neil Wagner and Colin de Grandhomme pounded the bowling as New Zealand piled on 264 runs from 45 overs and went 25 runs past their previous record of 690 against Pakistan in 2014. Mehidy Hasan bagged two wickets but bore the brunt of the assault, finishing with his side's most expensive Test figures ever of two for 246 from 49 overs. Pre-lunch, Williamson was content to take a backseat as nightwatchman Wagner blazed away for 47 runs -- 42 from boundaries -- in their 60-run stand. It was Ebadat Hossain, on debut, who made the breakthrough with his first Test wicket to deny Wagner his maiden fifty when he shaved the edge of the bat, with wicketkeeper Liton Das completing the dismissal. Domination Big-hitting Colin de Grandhomme took New Zealand past their previous record score of 690 with a huge six, one of five in his whirlwind innings of 76 not out. The foundations for New Zealand's domination were laid by openers Tom Latham and Jeet Raval with their 254-run partnership after Bangladesh were rolled in their first innings for 234. Williamson's 100 was only the 13th time in cricket history that the first three batsmen had reached three figures.

NZvsBAN: Williamson's double century helps New Zealand to post record 715-6 against Bangladesh

A rejuvenated Martin Guptill wound back the clock with his second century in as many games as a clinical New Zealand clinched their one-day series against Bangladesh in Christchurch on Saturday.

The long-serving opener, who had a disappointing recent series against India, rated his 118 as a more satisfying knock than the unbeaten 117 when he returned to form in the first match against Bangladesh.

"There was a lot of flow and rhythm in that one," he said after New Zealand comfortably knocked off their 227-run target for the loss of two wickets and with 13.5 overs to spare.

"It felt like I got back to where I was a couple of years ago."&nbsp;

Guptill cut, drove and pulled the Bangladesh attack apart as New Zealand cruised to victory and went 2-0 up in the three-match series.

With the World Cup looming, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was pleased to see his side had taken lessons from the 4-1 drubbing inflicted by India.

"It was what we were wanting," he said.

"That was a really tough series and (the) guys got taught some harsh lessons and it's important you learn from those.

"Today and in the last game there were a couple of nice performances obviously led by Martin Guptill."

Against India's tight bowling, Guptill was restricted to a top score of 15.

But against a less confining Bangladesh attack, he scored freely, with 14 fours and four sixes from the 88 deliveries he faced.

After rolling Bangladesh for 226, Guptill made a flying start in New Zealand's reply as they passed through 10 overs at 59 for one while Bangladesh were 32 for two at the same stage.

Mustafizur Rahman claimed the early wicket of Henry Nicholls for 14, leaving Kane Williamson to partner Guptill in a 143-run stand for the second wicket.

When Guptill went in similar fashion to Nicholls, caught on the boundary by Liton Das off Mustafizur Rahman in the 29th over, New Zealand were 188 for two.

Williamson and Ross Taylor then guided the home side to the finish with Williamson not out 65 and Taylor on 21.

Slopping fielding

After Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl under cloudy skies, the Bangladesh top order again failed to fire.&nbsp;

They were in trouble at 93 for five after 21 overs before Mohammad Mithun and Sabbir Rahman provided some backbone for the innings, putting on 75 for the sixth wicket.

Mithun again played the anchor role, as he did with his hard-fought 62 in the first match.

In game two, he scored 57 off 69 deliveries before he was bowled by Todd Astle, while Sabbir contributed 43 off 65.&nbsp;

New Zealand assisted the Bangladesh cause with 23 extras and some sloppy fielding while Rahman had fortune on his side when an edge off a Todd Astle delivery nicked the stumps but the bails stayed on.&nbsp;

Colin de Grandhomme had an eventful first over that lasted 11 deliveries, included five wides and also produced the wicket of Soumya Sarkar who was caught by Ross Taylor for 22.

But Taylor dropped two catches in the following overs.

Ferguson finished as the most successful New Zealand bowler with three for 43.

The third and final ODI is in Dunedin next Wednesday, followed by three Test matches.

A rejuvenated Martin Guptill wound back the clock with his second century in as many games as a clinical New Zealand clinched their one-day series against Bangladesh in Christchurch on Saturday.

A rejuvenated Martin Guptill wound back the clock with his second century in as many games as a clinical New Zealand clinched their one-day series against Bangladesh in Christchurch on Saturday. The long-serving opener, who had a disappointing recent series against India, rated his 118 as a more satisfying knock than the unbeaten 117 when he returned to form in the first match against Bangladesh. "There was a lot of flow and rhythm in that one," he said after New Zealand comfortably knocked off their 227-run target for the loss of two wickets and with 13.5 overs to spare. "It felt like I got back to where I was a couple of years ago." Guptill cut, drove and pulled the Bangladesh attack apart as New Zealand cruised to victory and went 2-0 up in the three-match series. With the World Cup looming, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson was pleased to see his side had taken lessons from the 4-1 drubbing inflicted by India. "It was what we were wanting," he said. "That was a really tough series and (the) guys got taught some harsh lessons and it's important you learn from those. "Today and in the last game there were a couple of nice performances obviously led by Martin Guptill." Against India's tight bowling, Guptill was restricted to a top score of 15. But against a less confining Bangladesh attack, he scored freely, with 14 fours and four sixes from the 88 deliveries he faced. After rolling Bangladesh for 226, Guptill made a flying start in New Zealand's reply as they passed through 10 overs at 59 for one while Bangladesh were 32 for two at the same stage. Mustafizur Rahman claimed the early wicket of Henry Nicholls for 14, leaving Kane Williamson to partner Guptill in a 143-run stand for the second wicket. When Guptill went in similar fashion to Nicholls, caught on the boundary by Liton Das off Mustafizur Rahman in the 29th over, New Zealand were 188 for two. Williamson and Ross Taylor then guided the home side to the finish with Williamson not out 65 and Taylor on 21. Slopping fielding After Williamson won the toss and opted to bowl under cloudy skies, the Bangladesh top order again failed to fire. They were in trouble at 93 for five after 21 overs before Mohammad Mithun and Sabbir Rahman provided some backbone for the innings, putting on 75 for the sixth wicket. Mithun again played the anchor role, as he did with his hard-fought 62 in the first match. In game two, he scored 57 off 69 deliveries before he was bowled by Todd Astle, while Sabbir contributed 43 off 65. New Zealand assisted the Bangladesh cause with 23 extras and some sloppy fielding while Rahman had fortune on his side when an edge off a Todd Astle delivery nicked the stumps but the bails stayed on. Colin de Grandhomme had an eventful first over that lasted 11 deliveries, included five wides and also produced the wicket of Soumya Sarkar who was caught by Ross Taylor for 22. But Taylor dropped two catches in the following overs. Ferguson finished as the most successful New Zealand bowler with three for 43. The third and final ODI is in Dunedin next Wednesday, followed by three Test matches.

New Zealand beat Bangladesh by 8 wickets to win series