New Zealand left stuttering in the middle as they lost 6 wickets in 69 runs in pursuit of a target of 137 in the ongoing Dhaka Test against Bangladesh on Saturday.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the right-arm spinner, bagged three for 21 runs while Taijul Islam, the left-arm orthodox spinner, took two for 35.
Bangladesh stumbled for a mere 144 in their second innings, with Zakir Hasan contributing 59. However, no other Bangladeshi batter managed to surpass the 20-run mark.
Dhaka Test: Bangladesh Set Mere 137-Run Target for New Zealand
At the end of day three, shortened due to bad weather, Bangladesh stood at 38 for two. On the tricky surface of Mirpur, New Zealand batsmen struggled against Bangladesh's spin attack.
On the fourth morning, Bangladesh added 106 and lost the remaining wickets. In pursuit of 137-run target, New Zealand faced a daunting challenge, losing 69 with Mehidy Hasan Miraz claiming three for 21, and Taijul Islam taking two for 35.
Dhaka Test: Day 3 cut short by bad light as Bangladesh lose quick wickets
Ajaz Patel claimed six wickets for New Zealand, while Mitchell Santner secured three.
In the first innings, Bangladesh scored 172, led by Mushfiqur Rahim with 35 and Shahadat Hossain with 31. For New Zealand, Mitchell Santner and Glenn Phillips each took three wickets.
In response, New Zealand secured a slim 8-run lead, scoring 180 in their first innings, fueled by Glenn Phillips' 87.
Dhaka Test: Persistent Rain Washes Away Day 2