Bangladesh dominant against New Zealand after Day 3

On the back of fine efforts from Liton Das (86) and Mominul Haque (88), Bangladesh surged ahead on Day 3 of the opening Test against hosts New Zealand, finishing on 401/6, in front by 73 at close of play.

Barring the first session, it turned out to be another near-perfect day for Bangladesh.

In the morning session, it was New Zealand's pacemen who had held the upper hand as they kept a tight leash on the scoring rate and also bagged a couple of scalps.

Neil Wagner, New Zealand's best bowler from Day 2, continued to bowl with good rhythm as he dismissed the overnight batter Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 78.

Kyle Jamieson then fluffed a tough chance off his own bowling to give Mominul a reprieve. The big turning point came in the 80th over when Wagner forced Mominul to edge one behind.

However, the third umpire adjudged a marginal call as a no-ball. Even though Mominul lost his batting partner - Mushfiqur Rahim - at the stroke of Lunch break, he continued to stonewall New Zealand's bowlers.

The Bangladesh skipper was beaten on enough occasions and also when he edged it, the ball generally found a way through the cordon.

He deserves a fair share of the credit for being able to erase all those close shaves and concentrate on the next ball. After the break, he also found an able ally in Liton as the visitors gained the upper hand.

At the start of his innings, Liton played with a carefree approach as he cracked some eye-catching drives, alongside the occasional pull and drive.

At the other end, Mominul too started to grow in confidence as he brought out a few drives and glances. The duo also ensured that the second session would turn out to be a wicketless one.

It was only in the final session when Trent Boult broke the 158-run stand by snuffing out Mominul LBW, with a delivery that moved a bit off the seam.

Mominul also took a review but to no avail. Just 14 runs short of his second Test ton, Liton then gifted his wicket away by slashing one to the wicketkeeper.

Mehidy Hasan, though, put paid to New Zealand's hopes of making further inroads. He even cracked the occasional punch and cut as the lead continued to swell.

On occasions, the rub of the green went Bangladesh's way, but the batters showed the required temperament and skill to give the side a chance to ram home the advantage and post a defining win away from home.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh401/6 (Mominul Haque 88, Liton Das 86; Trent Boult 3-61)lead New Zealand 328 (Devon Conway 122, Henry Nicholls 75; Shoriful Islam 3-69) by 73 runs.