After 10 overs of play during the fourth day of the first Test against New Zealand, Bangladesh are on course to fulfil what team director Khaled Mahmud said during the press conference yesterday: that he hopes to see his side play out the fourth day's first session unscathed and secure a lead of around 150 in the process.

Bangladesh find themselves at 431 for six after 166 overs in their first innings as the Tigers lead by 103 runs with the overnight batting pair of Yasir Ali and Mehedi Hasan Miraz still standing strong. Yasir is unbeaten on 23 off 57 while Miraz is on 38 off 76. 

Earlier, Rachin Ravindra opened the fourth day's proceedings with the 157th over, with New Zealand four overs due from the third new ball, a situation the Kiwis rarely find themselves in at home.  

Neil Wagner, from the other end, resumed his relentless barrage of short-pitched bowling and almost picked up Yasir Ali on the last ball as the lad from Chattogram played and missed a ball that shaped away from the virtual fifth stump.

The Kiwis came even closer to strike in the very next over as Mehedi Hasan Miraz got trapped in front by Ravindra and was given out by umpire. However, Miraz survived after opting for a review.

Yasir also saved himself with a review in the next over from Wagner as he overturned the lbw decision in his favour, courtesy of an inside edge.

The last recognised batting pair of Yasir and Miraz seemed to have been living somewhat dangerously with Miraz playing across the line on a few occasions, on a wicket which still appears to have remained a sporting, batting-friendly one even though inconsistent bounce was seen on the latter part of the third day.

Skipper Tom Latham did not waste any time to pick the cherry and Yasir welcomed Tim Southee with a composed straight drive to long off. And with that boundary, Bangladesh reached their third-highest score in New Zealand, surpassing 408 in Hamiton in 2010.  

And by the end of 161 overs, the Tigers reached another landmark where all eight batters have faced more than 50 deliveries in a Test innings.

Miraz receives treatment in the 163rd over after a Tim Southee delivery hit him on the arm. Photo: AFP

It is not often that Bangladesh head into the penultimate day of a Test match as the team with the advantage, and that too in New Zealand. However, such a day like today at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui might even end up taking a u-turn by the end of day and leave the Tigers on the brink of a defeat on the final day. Although Bangladesh find themselves on the driving seat, they would be hesitant to hit the accelerator anytime soon.    

*Keep an eye on The Daily Star's Sports section for further match updates.