Nayeem: 200-220 runs will be enough to defend
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Bangladesh spinner Nayeem Hasan believes that if the team manages to score beyond 200, they can beat New Zealand in the rain-hit Test match.
Bangladesh took a lead of 30 runs before the close of the third day's play due to bad light. Zakir Hasan and Mominul Haque were unbeaten on the crease as they finished the day on 38-2.
Nayeem feels the hosts are ahead and the batters need to bat longer to secure a strong target.
"I think the longer we can bat, the better for us. If we can score between 200-220 runs, Inshallah we will be able to defend,” said Nayeem in the post-match conference.
“If we can put up a good score, then we can win the match. And we are ahead in the match now, we can hold it. The longer we can bat, the better it will be,” he said.
At the end of the first day’s play New Zealand were reeling on 55-5. Daryll Mitchell and Phillips were the only specialist batsmen for the visitors. Philips contributed a crucial 87 runs to help the side take the lead. However, Naeem has no regrets and said that it would be better to get a good score.
"Actually they (New Zealand) also came to play... and there can be a pair, anyone can play well. Now they played well, that's why they took the lead. It would have been good to have a lead... if we bat well, we will get a good score," he added.