Despite Kane Williamson's resilient century, New Zealand failed to take control in the first Test against Bangladesh in Sylhet.
At stumps on the second day, the visitors were at 266-8, trailing Bangladesh by 44 runs in the first inning.
Williamson's innings of 104 off 205 balls, comprising 11 fours, showcased his mastery, but he fell victim to Taijul Islam. New Zealand coach Luke Ronchi praised Williamson's ability to handle different challenges and his calmness in pressure situations.
Bangladesh's Taijul Islam led the bowling attack with figures of 4-89, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Nayeem Hasan, Shoriful Islam, and Mominul Haque claimed one wicket each. Glenn Phillips contributed 42 runs in a crucial 78-run sixth-wicket partnership with Williamson.
Bangladesh's spin coach, Rangana Herath, praised Taijul's experience and contribution to creating pressure on the New Zealand batsmen. Despite the setbacks, Ronchi expressed confidence in New Zealand's lower-order batsmen, aiming to close the gap with Bangladesh's score on the third day.
Taijul redeemed himself by dismissing Williamson and Ish Sodhi after dropping a catch earlier. Daryl Mitchell, who scored 41, had some luck with a stumping chance overlooked by Bangladesh.
New Zealand bowled out Bangladesh for 310 in the morning, with Tim Southee dismissing the last batsman, Shoriful. Bangladesh's spinners gradually gained control, with Taijul dismissing Tom Latham and Shoriful removing Henry Nicholls.
The two-match series marks the beginning of a new cycle in the World Test Championship for both teams.
