Both the batters reached their half-centuries during the session, with Bangladesh just 21 runs behind
Tea Bangladesh 307 for 4 (Joy 78, Shanto 64, Wagner 3-72) trail New Zealand 328 (Conway 122, Nicholls 75*, Shoriful 3-69) by 21 runs
Bangladesh continued to frustrate New Zealand in the middle session on the third day, going wicketless for 26 overs and making 87 runs. It took their score to 307 for 4, just 21 runs short of New Zealand’s 328.
Liton struck the ball well, hitting six fours – two of them down the ground, two through point and two through midwicket and square-leg. Mominul meanwhile struck three of his eight fours through midwicket, while the rest came with tickles and nurdles behind the wicket.
Both Bangladesh and New Zealand fought hard to control the morning session. The visitors added 45 runs in 26 overs, losing two wickets.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell for 78 when Neil Wagner had him caught at gully. He struck seven fours in his 228-ball stay.
Mushfiqur’s straight drive off Wagner was his only shot of intent as he was kept quiet at one end. Mominul survived when he was on 8 and 9, half an hour apart, when Kyle Jamieson dropped a return catch off his iffy drive, and then Wagner was found to have bowled a no-ball when he had Mominul caught behind. New Zealand finally broke through when Trent Boult had Mushfiqur bowled.
Mohammad Isam is ESPNcricinfo’s Bangladesh correspondent. @isam84