The Dhaka Test, the second of the two-match series between hosts Bangladesh and New Zealand, faced yet another setback as the third day's play was curtailed prematurely due to bad light, reports UNB.
With a delayed start on the day, only 32.2 overs were possible.
In response to Bangladesh's first innings total of 172, New Zealand managed to score 180, securing a narrow lead of eight runs in the first innings.
The second day of the match had already been marred by incessant rain linked to the cyclonic storm Michaung. The third day's play encountered further delays due to a wet outfield, resuming only after the first session.
New Zealand, struggling at 55 for five at the end of day one, witnessed a dramatic turnaround as they added 125 runs on the third day, primarily through the aggressive batting display of Phillips, who notched up 87 off 72 balls, featuring nine fours and four sixes.
Spinners played a crucial role in the proceedings, accounting for a total of 13 wickets on the first day, and on the third day, New Zealand's tailenders contributed significantly to the score. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam claimed three wickets each for Bangladesh, while Shoriful Islam and Nayeem Hasan took two wickets each.
Facing a slim lead, Bangladesh commenced their second innings cautiously but faced setbacks as Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Najmul Hossain Shanto fell early. The team, with a lead of 30 runs and eight wickets in hand, now has two days to navigate in a bid to seal the series.
In the first innings, Bangladesh posted a total of 172, with Mushfiqur Rahim top-scoring at 35. Mitchell Santner and Phillips were the chief architects of New Zealand's bowling effort, each securing three wickets.
After clinching victory in the first Test in Sylhet by 150 runs, Bangladesh endeavours to seal the series with a strong performance in this match.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
