Cricket: Bangladesh wards off attack

CHITTAGONG - Bangladesh have managed to drag the second cricket test into the fourth day after the lower order managed to ward off the Black Caps attack in the final session today.

At stumps they were 210 for eight in their second innings, still trailing by 153 runs after following on.

Daniel Vettori was the pick of the New Zealand bowlers taking six for 70 in the first innings while snaring four wickets in Bangladesh's second batting spell.

Vettori's extra bounce and spin on the MA Aziz Stadium pitch caused numerous problems for Bangladesh, but a rear-guard action from captain Khaled Mashud, who scored his third test 50, and Mohammad Rafique staved their execution until tomorrow morning.

Mashud was bowled by Oram for 51, with Rafique not out 30 and Tapash Baisya on 15.

Bangladesh were all out for 182 in their first innings 20 minutes after lunch after New Zealand declared at 545 for six yesterday.

Bangladesh started the final session at 51 for four and added another 24 runs before Nathan Astle provided a piece of superb fielding today to remove Alok Kapali for 13.

The batsman had hit Wiseman for four over long-on, then chipped the next ball to mid-on where Astle, running to his right took an outstanding one-handed diving catch.

Bangladesh were 74 for five, but Mashud and Rajin Saleh combined for a 49-run partnership for the sixth wicket.

Vettori broke through again as Mathew Sinclair took his fourth catch of the match at silly point from a defensive push from Saleh on 35.

Rahman, who made 20, was unlucky to be bowled when the ball bounced off his bat between his pads to hit the stumps for Vettori's fourth wicket.

- NZPA