Najmul Hossain Shanto marked his captaincy debut with a century, becoming the first Bangladeshi to do so. Fueled by this remarkable ton, Bangladesh established a commanding lead of 205 runs by the end of day three.
As day three concluded, Bangladesh stood at 212 for three, with Najmul and Mushfiqur Rahim remaining unbeaten at 104 and 43, respectively.
Shanto's century is his fifth in Test cricket, achieved in his 24-match career. Notably, three of Shanto’s five Test centuries have been scored this year.
Read: Sylhet Test: New Zealand end innings at 317 as Mominul claims 3 wickets
Shanto made a strong start in the first innings, hitting a few boundaries around the wicket. However, he fell prey to Glenn Phillips’ full toss, which he couldn't connect with properly.
Two of Bangladesh’s wickets on the third day fell to run-outs.
In the preceding innings, New Zealand concluded at 317, with Kane Williamson contributing a century.
Taijul Islam shone as Bangladesh's standout bowler, claiming four wickets, while Mominul Haque secured three.
Read: Sylhet Test: Williamson's century lifts New Zealand; Taijul claims four for Bangladesh
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh posted a total of 310, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring 86 runs.
Glenn Phillips excelled for New Zealand with four wickets, marking the best bowling figures in his two-match Test career.