Chittagong: Shakib Al Hasan excelled with both bat and ball to put Bangladesh in control on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand at the Divisional Stadium on Sunday.
The 21-year old left handed batsman scored 71 for his maiden half-century to guide the home team to 184-4 in their second innings at close on a day when as a left arm spinner he returned Bangladesh's best innings figures of 7-36.
The home team, seeking their first win against a major Test playing country, led overall by 258 runs with Mashrafe Mortaza 5*, and Abdur Razzak without open their account on crease on close. Hasan added 48 for seventh wicket with Naeem Islam (19) before miscuing a drive off Daniel Vettori, who was the pick of the tourist bowlers with 4-39. but by then Hasan's knock had put Bangladesh in driving seat.
Brief Score: Bangladesh 245 and 184 for 8 (Shakib 71, Vettori 4-39) lead New Zealand 171 (Vettori 55*, Shakib 7-36) by 258 runs
Scorecard and ball-by-ball details