Sports Reporter :
The Tigers were on the brink of victory against New Zealand (NZ) on the fourth day of the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Electing to bat first, Bangladesh piled up 310 in the first innings on the second day (Wednesday).
In reply, New Zealand scored 317 in the first innings on the third day (Thursday).
Bangladesh notched up 338 in the second innings on the fourth day (Friday).
The Kiwis were tottering at 113 for the loss of seven wickets on the fourth day. Bangladesh need just three wickets to win on the fifth and final day (Saturday).
On the other hand, New Zealand will face daunting task to win to score 219 on the final day.
Bangladesh resumed their second innings with the overnight score of 212 for the loss of three wickets.
Najmul Hossain Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim resumed their second innings with the overnight score of 104 and 43 runs respectively.
Shanto could add just one run on the fourth day as he was caught behind by wicketkeeper Tom Blundell off Tim Southee when Bangladesh’s score was 214 for the loss of four wickets.
Third-down Mushfiqur Rahim and fourth-down Shahadat Hossain put on together 34 runs for the fifth wicket stand before Shahadat Hossain (18) was trapped leg before wicket by Ish Sodhi when the hosts’ total was 248 for the loss of five wickets.
Mushfiqur Rahim and fifth-down Mehidy Hasan Miraz scored together 30 runs for the sixth wicket partnership before Mushfiqur Rahim was trapped leg before wicket by Ajaz Patel when Bangladesh’s score was 278 for the loss of six wickets.
Mushfiqur Rahim knocked a painstaking 67. He hit seven fours in his 116-ball innings. It was Mushfiqur Rahim’s 27th half-century in his Test campaign. Mehidy Hasan Miraz remained unbeaten with exact 50. His 76-ball innings had five fours. It was Miraz’s fifth Test half-century.
After Mushfiqur Rahim’s dismissal, Bangladesh batters failed to build any notable partnership.
Ajaz Patel captured four wickets at the cost of 148 runs.
Later, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam played the key role to dominate New Zealand’s batter on the fourth day. Taijul captured four wickets in the space of 40 runs.
pacer Shoriful Islam gave his team early breakthrough as opener Tom Latham (0) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan off left-arm pacer before the Kiwis failed to open their account.
One-down Kane Williamson (11) was trapped leg before wicket by left-arm spinner Taijul Islam when the visitors’ total was 19 for the loss of two wickets.
Second-down Henry Nicholls (2) was caught at the short fine leg by Nayeem Hasan off Mehidy Hasan Miraz when the touring side’s score was 30 for the loss of three wickets.
Opener Devon Conway (22) was dismissed by Taijul Islam when New Zealand’s score was 46 for the loss of four wickets.
Fourth-down Tom Blundell (6) was caught behind by wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan off Taijul Islam when the Kiwis’ total was 60 for the loss of five wickets.
Fifth-down Glenn Phillips (12) was trapped leg before wicket by Nayeem Hasan when the tourists’ score was 81 for the loss of six wickets.
Kyle Jamieson (9) was trapped leg before wicket by Taijul Islam when New Zealand’s total was 102 for the loss of seven wickets.
Daryl Mitchell fought back against the tight, controlled and superb bowling attack of Bangladesh. He remained unbeaten with 44 runs.
Shoriful Islam, Nayeem Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz took one wicket apiece.