Bangladesh have played a total of 15 Test matches against New Zealand, losing 12 and drawing three. However, all the Test matches in which Bangladesh drew were disrupted due to inclement weather conditions. So, if Bangladesh draw the ongoing Test match, it will be a tremendous success for them. Bangladesh have been in good form since the start of this Test match. They may expect fantastic outcomes in this test if this consistency can be maintained for the following two days of the match. Let's take a quick look at Bangladesh's performance on the third day of the contest.
Match Scenario of New Zealand-Bangladesh First Test
Bangladesh finished day two with a score of 175/2, and it was uncertain if they would be able to maintain their momentum on day three. However, the batters remained steadfast on day three and continued to play in the same manner as they had on day two. Bangladesh scored 401 runs for the loss of six wickets on day three. They now have a 73-run lead against New Zealand in the first innings.
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Bangladesh are now hoping to expand their lead to over 150 runs in order to put pressure on New Zealand in their second innings. Will they be able to construct a healthy gap against New Zealand on day four? Given Bangladesh's performance thus far in the tournament and the nature of the pitch, it is highly likely that Bangladesh will take a lead of close to 200 runs.
Day 3 Highlights of the 2022 BAN vs NZ First Test
Bangladesh's opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy (78), Mominul Haque (88), and Liton Das (86) all returned to the pavilion on day three following good innings in the middle.
The first victim of the day was Mahmudul Hasan, who was picked by Neil Wagner with a short delivery. He was shaky from the start of the morning and he eventually fell apart in the face of Wagner's short ball. Following that, Skipper Mominul Haque and Liton Das formed a strong partnership and pushed the total to 361.
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Trent Boult took Mominul's wicket through Ibw shortly after the Tea break. However, the left-hander may have been out at 8 if Kylie Jamieson had scooped up Mominul's return catch. It was one of the pivotal moments of the day since Mahmudul Hasan had just been dismissed a few overs before, and losing another wicket would have been a significant blow to Bangladesh's chances. In addition, Mominul also got another life in his innings.
On the other hand, Liton Das played a brilliant innings at Mount Maunganui on a flat track. He seemed at ease in the middle and didn't allow the opposition bowlers a chance. However, Liton was bowled by Trent Boult for a poor shot outside off-stump.
Yasir Ali (11*) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (20*) stayed unbeaten at the crease in the end. They will have to play sensibly in the opening session on day 4 In order to get a big first-innings total. Trent Boult and Neil Wagner have each taken three wickets for New Zealand thus far.
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Bangladesh also set a new record on day three. They have played 156 overs so far in this innings, the most by the Tigers outside Asia and the third most outside Bangladesh.
Most Overs played in a Test innings by Bangladesh (Away Tests, top 5)
Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
Verdict
Bangladesh should anticipate a brilliant outcome in the ongoing New Zealand-Bangladesh first Test if they continue to play like they have done so far. Because Mount Maunganui's surface is conducive to batting, the prospects of the wicket shifting drastically over the next two days are slim. In this circumstance, the hosts are unlikely to be out quickly following the end of Bangladesh's second innings. Bangladesh will be able to finish the match with a satisfying draw if they can hold their composure on the fifth day and bat to the end. Besides, Bangladesh will also receive its first point in the current ICC Test Championship.