Staring down the barrel of a massive first-innings deficit in the first Test in Dunedin, Bangladesh fought back, first through their bowlers, then their batsmen to leave the game finely balanced at the end of the second day.

For New Zealand, Matthew Bell and Jacob Oram both made centuries but the Kiwis were unable to capitalise on the pressure they built up on the first day, when 14 wickets fell despite excellent batting conditions. The second day belonged to the batsmen as first Bell and Oram, then Tamim Iqbal and Junaid Siddique showed that the University Oval pitch held little to fear.

Starting the day at 156-4, New Zealand looked to be in a commanding position, already 19 runs ahead. Their dominance continued during the morning session as Bell brought up his century before he and Brendon McCullum fell to Bangladeshi captain Mohammad Ashraful.

'Vettori would likely have been disappointed in his batsmen, as most fell to poor shot selection'

Oram brought up his fourth test ton two balls after lunch and the Black Caps looked to be cruising at 320-6 when Bangladesh took the new ball. It produced immediate results as Mashrafe Mortaza dismissed Oram and Kyle Mills with consecutive deliveries in the first over.

The New Zealand tail wagged a little, captain Daniel Vettori making 32, but when he spooned a simple catch to mid-on the writing was on the wall and the innings ended shortly after for 357, a lead of 220. Vettori would likely have been disappointed in his batsmen, as most fell to poor shot selection.

If Vettori was disappointed in the batsmen, the bowlers let his side down even further, allowing the Bangladeshi openers off the hook with some wayward bowling and ill-advised tactics. Tamim and Siddique, both making their Test debuts, struggled to cope with some early short-pitched bowling, but both adjusted and flourished in the conditions.