WELLINGTON, Dec 28: Bangladesh were on the brink of a heavy innings defeat against New Zealand on Friday, ending day three of the second Test on 67 for five, still needing a further 142 to make their hosts bat a second time.
Fast bowler Shane Bond took three for 13 in seven overs to rock the Bangladesh top order after New Zealand had declared their first innings reply at 341 for six.
Bond generated good pace and plenty of bounce on a responsive Basin Reserve pitch and the Bangladeshi batsmen struggled to cope.
Only number three Habibul Bashar, with 32 in just under an hour at the crease, offered much resistance before becoming one of three batsmen to be removed leg before wicket.
At the close of the third day, Sanwar Hossein was not out four and Khaled Mahmud was yet to score.
Earlier, New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming declared with the hosts 209 ahead after solid performances from Mark Richardson (83), Craig McMillan (70), Fleming (61), Matt Horne (38) and Chris Cairns, with an dashing 36 at a run a ball.
Manjurul Islam was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers, taking three for 99.
“That was a great day and there was some good positive cricket played,” New Zealand captain Fleming said.
“We got a good foundation from the openers (Mark Richardson and Matt Horne) which enabled us to push forward later in the day.”
Fleming was impressed by the bowling of Bond during the final session.
“He’s learning every day and gets better every time he steps on to the paddock. He’s been a revelation,” he said.
Scoreboard
BANGLADESH (1st innings) 132 (C.Cairns 3-24)
NEW ZEALAND (1st innings) (overnight 72-0)
M.Richardson c Mashrafe b Hasibul 83
M.Horne c Khaled b Manjurul 38
L.Vincent c Khaled b Mashrafe 23
S Fleming c Khaled b Manjurul 61
C.McMillan run out 70
M.Sinclair not out 19
C.Cairns c Habibul b Manjurul 36
EXTRAS (b-1 lb-6 w-1 nb-3) 11
TOTAL (for six wickets, declared) 341
FALL OF WKTS: 1-104 2-148 3-153 4-283 5-285 6-341
DID NOT BAT: A.Parore. D.Vettori, S.Bond, C.Drum
BOWLING: Mashrafe Mortaza 16-1-57-1 (nb-1), Manjural Islam 29-5-99-3 (nb-1), Hasibul Hossain 21-3-88-1, Aminul Islam 7-0-37-0, Khaled Mahmud 12-2-42-0 (w-1 nb-1), Mohammad Ashraful 3-0-11-0