DHAKA, Dec 8, 2023 (BSS)- All-rounder Glenn Phillips counterattacked
brilliantly to help New Zealand earn a slim 8-run lead in the first innings
lead as they were bowled out for 180 in its first innings at tea on day three
of the final cricket Test against Bangladesh at Sher-e-Bangla National
Cricket Stadium today.

Phillips took much-vaunted Bangladesh spin attack in disdain to smash a 72
ball-87, an innings which was laced with nine fours and four sixes.

The second best was Kyle Jamieson's 20 and Daryl Mitchell contributed 18.

Offspinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed three
wickets each while pacer Shoriful Islam and offspinner Nayeem Hasan took two
wickets.

Bangladesh were wrapped up for 172 in its first innings.
 
After an entire day two and the first session of the third day was washed out
due to rain, Phillips led the charge with one-day style batting as New
Zealand resumed at 55-5.

Phillips was particularly harsh on Mehidy Miraz, hitting three fours and one
six in his first three overs to keep the runs flowing.

Mitchell was struggling against the spinners and eventually was caught out by
Miraz at long-on off offspinner Nayeem Hasan's first over, ending 49-run
partnership.

In his next over Nayeem dismissed Mitchell Santner for 1 to leave New Zealand
at 97-7 but Phillips got the support of Jamieson as they put on 55-run for
the eighth wicket to make sure New Zealand would edge ahead.
 
Shoriful broke through with the wicket of Jamieson before Phillips ensured
the team's lead.

But New Zealand's aspiration to extend the lead was spoiled when Phillips
edged a delivery of Shoriful behind.