Bangladesh are only three wickets away from their first-ever Test win over New Zealand on home soil as they managed to pick up seven wickets after setting the Blackcaps a target of 332 on Friday at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
New Zealand ended the day on 113-7, with Daryl Mitchell at the crease on 40, with Ish Sodhi on nine.
Taijul Islam was the most successful Bangladesh bowler on the day, picking up four wickets, while Shoriful Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Nayeem Hasan picked up one each.
Bangladesh, after being bowled out for 338 at the beginning of the second session, had already taken control of the game in their hands with three wickets in the remainder of that session.
In the final session of the day, Bangladesh found their first breakthrough when Taijul found Davon Conway’s (22) inside edge, which was taken at short leg by Shahadat Hossain.
Tom Blundell (6) did not last long either as Taijul got one to turn and bounce, and that delivery got the batter’s edge which wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan Sohan took well.
Mitchell formed a brief stand with Glenn Phillips (12) but it came to an end when Nayeem Hasan, courtesy of some brilliant planning, trapped the latter LBW.
While the umpire denied the appeal, Bangladesh skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto opted to review and the replays showed three reds, meaning Phillips had to go.
Mitchell then put together another brief stand with Kyle Jamieson (9), which ended when Taijul trapped the latter LBW. Jamieson reviewed but to no avail.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
