Bangladesh struggling in second Test

Bangladesh were on the brink of a heavy innings defeat against New Zealand on Friday, ending day three of the second Test on 67 for five, still needing 142 runs to make New Zealand bat a second time.

Medium-pace seamer Shane Bond took three for 13 in seven overs to rock the Bangladesh top order after New Zealand had declared their first innings reply at 341 for six.

Only number three Habibul Bashar, with 32 in just under an hour at the crease, offered much resistance before becoming one of three Bangladesh batsmen to be removed leg before wicket.

At the close of the third day, Sanwar Hossein was not out four and Khaled Mahmud was yet to score.

Earlier, New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming declared with the hosts 209 ahead after solid performances from Mark Richardson (83), Craig McMillan (70), Fleming (61), Matt Horne (38) and Chris Cairns, with an dashing 36 at a run a ball.

Manjurul Islam was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers, taking three for 99.

Mail Cricket Editor