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New Zealand in the driver's seat against Bangladesh

February 18, 2010 20:01 IST

New Zealand will head into the final day of their one-off Test against Bangladesh in Hamilton firmly in the driving seat, as the visitors suffered multiple setbacks after being set a target of 404.

Bangladesh slumped to 88 for five by stumps after New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori declared his side's second innings at 258 for five shortly after tea on day four - for a lead of 403 runs.
 
Despite the mammoth target, Bangladesh opener Tamim Iqbal came out to play aggressive cricket, smacking 30 off 19 balls before holing out an easy catch to Daryl Tuffey.

Junaid Siddique and Aftab Ahmed could not last long on the wicket, which was giving ample movement to fast bowlers.

Siddique was bowled by fast bowler Chris Martin, while Ahmed, who was dropped on five by Martin, could not make the most of his good fortune and was run out by a smart piece of fielding by Jeetan Patel, New Zealand Herald reports.

Mohammad Ashraful's disappointing tour continued, as he was trapped leg before wicket by Vettori for two to leave Bangladesh reeling at 78 for four. That quickly became 78 for five as Imrul Kayes inexplicably offered no shot and was bowled by Patel for 29.

Bangladesh is now facing the task of chasing 316 runs with just five wickets in hand.

Earlier, New Zealand opener Tim McIntosh top scored for New Zealand with 89 before becoming the third player to be run out.

Martin Guptill completed a mighty match double with 56 not out to add to his career-best 189 in New Zealand's first innings of 553 for seven declared, while Ross Taylor contributed 51.

Source: ANI