Dominant Tigers lead New Zealand by 73 runs in 1st Test

DHAKA - Bangladesh kept their dominance over New Zealand for the third consecutive day, leading the hosts by 73-run in the
first innings of the first Test, thanks to an excellent batting performance
of the batters at Bay Oval in Mount Maungunai today.

   The Tigers ended the third day on 401-6, in reply of New Zealand's 328 in
the first innings. At stumps, Mehidy Hasan Miraz was batting on 20 with Yasir
Ali Chowdhury on 11.

  The duo showed a promise to take Bangladesh in desired position form what a
win looked all possible. Bangladesh haven't won any game yet in any format of
cricket on New Zealand soil after playing 32 matches.

   But this time they had a dream run so far against the New Zealand side
which had clinched the maiden World Test Championship recently to be crowned
as best Test team of the world.

   Resuming the day three on 175-2, Bangladesh received a setback, losing two
wickets for 19 runs. Fast bowler Neil Wagner removed overnight unbeaten
Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 78 and Trent Boult got his first success in this Test
by getting rid of experienced Mushfiqur Rahim for 12.

   Those two dismissals in quick succession raised a prospect of a familiar
collapse but Bangladesh seemed to have played different cricket.

   Skipper Mominul Haque and Liton Das helped the side hit back further,
sharing a 158-run partnership for the fifth wicket, which took Bangladesh
ahead of New Zealand's total.

   But both Liton and Mominul missed out their well deserved ton. And Trent
Boult who was bowling relentlessly and tremendously got the rewards by taking
out both of the set batters.

   He first trapped Mominul leg-before for 88 after he clobbered a dozen of
boundaries in an innings, facing 244 deliveries.

   Four overs later, he had Liton caught by wicket-keeper Tom Blundell for
86. Liton who played 177 balls, smashed 10 boundaries.

   After their dismissals, another collapse looked imminent but Yasir Ali,
playing his only second Test and Mehidy Miraz saw off the day without any
fuss. The duo shared 31 runs so far for their undefeated second wicket stand
and gave the side a hope of stretching the lead beyond New Zealand's
imagination.

  Boult and Wagner however scalped the six wickets of Bangladesh evenly.BSS