CHITTAGONG (Bangladesh), Oct 22: Bangladesh on Wednesday were left to rue another Test near-miss but took heart from running New Zealand close here.

Coach Jamie Siddons said he joined millions of Bangladeshis in mourning the defeat after New Zealand chased down a massive 317-run target to grab victory. But he was happy his team were at least creating opportunities to win their first five-dayer against major opposition since gaining Test status in 2000.

“I am disappointed as I said before the game that we will play for a win,” said the Australian. “It hurts when you come so close and do not win, but we need to learn how to win and create chances. If we do that I am very happy.”

“It was Inzamam-ul-Haq who snatched victory from us at Multan in 2003, then Ricky Ponting at Fataullah two years ago and now it’s Vettori who stood between us and the win,” said Ashraful.—AFP