MOUNT MAUNGANUI: Bangladesh’s batters added 226 runs to their total on the third day of the first ongoing Test against New Zealand; taking a lead of 73 runs.

The Tigers, resuming at an overnight score of 175/2, had a poor start to their inning. The touring side’s set batter and the then top-scorer – Mahmudul Hasan Joy departed after scoring just eight runs in the first session. He scored a brilliant 78, laced with seven boundaries.

Following his departure, Mominul Haque put on a brief partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim. The pair added 19-runs for the fourth wicket before Rahim departed after scoring just 12.

Liton Das then joined the skipper – Haque and recorded a dazzling159-runs partnership. Both the batters scored half-centuries and strengthened the position of the Tigers in the ongoing Test. The pair looked to carry their bat all the way through, but, Haque fell short; missing his well deserved century by just 12 runs. He scored 88, including 12 boundaries.

Das, on the other hand, stood firm at the other end and remained not out with his 86. Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (20*) will now resume the proceedings for the touring side at 401/6 on the fourth day.

For the Kiwis, Trent Boult and Neil Wagner made three scalps each.

READ: Batters retaliate to keep Bangladesh in the hunt