Tigers enjoy one of their ‘best days’

"It was one of the best days. Yes, it was challenging but the process was fantastic. We managed to execute our plan brilliantly and I think the boys really did well," Bangladesh team director Khaled Mahmud said after Bangladesh took a rare 73-run first innings lead over New Zealand on the third day of the first Test yesterday.

There were many instances in the past when individual heroics did not help the cause of the overall unit but a collective effort from Mominul Haque and troops in tough Kiwi conditions set the performance apart.

Interestingly, it was the first instance that Bangladesh took a first-innings lead while batting second outside of Asia which reflects how a young and relatively inexperienced side showed their character as do the near-zero expectations heading into the series.

All eyes were on how the Bangladesh batters would react and, although both missed out on deserving hundreds, Mominul and Liton Das added 158 for the fifth wicket to ensure Bangladesh would seize control and end the day on 401 for six.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy's 78 in just his second Test and Najmul Hossain's dominant 64 were other highlights of the first time the top six Bangladesh batters faced over 50 deliveries in an innings away from home.

Even the New Zealand media started to show concern about keeping their nine-Test win at home intact against the Tigers. But with two days remaining and the Tigers' reputation for throwing it all away despite putting in the hard yards, Bangladesh still has a lot to play for to make this effort count towards a positive outcome.