Kiwis edgy after Tigers stutter

The third day of the second Test, after the first two days were washed out, was like a rerun of the first innings of the first Test in Hamilton as despite a solid start from the openers, Bangladesh folded for a small total of 211 within the first two sessions against New Zealand at the Basin Reserve in Wellington yesterday.

There was a lot of talk and speculation about the green pitch and the overcast condition as New Zealand asked Bangladesh to bat. But the in-form Tamim Iqbal and young Shadman Islam added a fifty-plus opening stand for the third consecutive innings and provided a solid start for the visitors.

However, it was Neil Wagner yet again who undid the Bangladesh batsmen with his short-ball ploy as the left-arm seamer ended up picking four wickets, including that of Tamim after the left-hander top-scored with 74.

Bangladesh, however, came back well with the ball riding on the two fast bowlers Ebadot Hossain and Abu Jayed. Jayed removed both in-form Kiwi openers Tom Latham (4) and Jeet Raval (3) early to leave New Zealand struggling on eight for two.

It was then Ross Taylor and Kane Williamson who held the ship together as New Zealand were 38 for two before rain forced an end to the day's play at 5:00pm.

According to Liton Das -- the second-highest scorer with 33 -- it would be important for the Tigers to pick a few early wickets on the fourth day to put the home side under pressure.

“I think the first hour will be crucial tomorrow [Monday] and it will be good if we can pick a few early wickets and also check the runs. I think if this game gets a result it will be based on runs, so we need to keep our focus and look to concede fewer runs, then I think it can be our day,” said Liton.