NEW DELHI: Bangladesh took a commanding position in the opening Test against New Zealand in Sylhet on Thursday, propelled by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto‘s century and two significant partnerships.
As day three concluded, the home side stood at 212-3, boasting a lead of 205 runs. With seven wickets in hand, Bangladesh appear confident in securing a 1-0 advantage in the two-Test series.
Having posted 317 in their first innings, New Zealand face a challenging task, especially in a spinner-dominated contest, as they contemplate batting last.
Shanto, with his captain’s innings of 104, marked his third century in four Test innings, while Mushfiqur Rahim stood at 43 when bad light halted play.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand, starting at 266-8, surpassed Bangladesh’s first innings total of 310. Tim Southee (35) and Kyle Jamieson (23) combined for a crucial 52-run partnership for the ninth wicket.
Bangladesh lost both their openers early in their second innings when they came out to bat.
Zakir Hasan fell to Ajaz Patel for the second time in the match and Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s stay was cut short in bizarre fashion.
Shanto’s straight drive brushed bowler Southee’s fingers before hitting the stumps at the non-striker’s end with Joy short of the crease.
Shanto combined with Mominul Haq (40) in a fluent 90-run partnership to tide over the crisis.
Mominul was run out after an almighty mix-up with Shanto, who went on to consolidate Bangladesh’s position with a 96-run partnership with Mushfiqur for the unbroken fourth wicket.
(With Reuters Inputs)<\/span><\/div>\n