New Zealand cricket captain Dan Vettori says his team's hands are clean after a contentious catch potentially cost his Bangladesh opposite a test century in Hamilton.
Shakib Al Hasan was dismissed for 87 in controversial circumstances to end a stand of 145 for the seventh wicket with Mahmudullah, who went on to post his maiden test century on the third day of the one-off test at Seddon Park.
Bangladesh were eventually all out for 408, comfortably their best test score against New Zealand, but the main talking point was Al Hasan's dismissal, caught by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum off fast bowler Chris Martin after tea.
McCullum claimed the catch but television replays indicated that he scooped the ball up on the half volley.
Vettori defended McCullum, saying the decision rested with the umpires, Rod Tucker, of Australia, and South African Rudi Koertzen, who was positioned at square leg.
"Brendon wasn't sure and asked me to ask the umpires," said Vettori, who had yet to view television footage of the incident.
"I asked them and they were happy with it carrying, so we did everything we could on our part.
"Brendon was not 100 percent (sure) but the umpires were confident that he caught it."
Al Hasan did not seek to have Tucker's decision referred to the third umpire, and left Seddon Park still searching for his first test century.
That was an achievement enjoyed by 23-year-old Mahmudullah, who made 115 in just his fifth test today as he became the first Bangladeshi to top three figures in a test against New Zealand.
Mahmudullah, who was at the non-striker's end when Al Hasan fell 13 runs short of his own milestone, said he originally had no cause to doubt the decision.
"I felt it was a fair catch the way the New Zealanders were coming," he said. "When I got back to the dressing room I heard the catch wasn't there, so I feel very unhappy because Shakib might have got a century for himself.
"The boys were unhappy that Shakib didn't get a hundred because the chance was there. But that's part of the game, part of life, and you have to accept it."
Instead, it was left to Mahmudullah to tick off three figures from No 8 in the order, an achievement all the more remarkable because he strode to the middle with his side in serious bother at 196 for six chasing the home team's first innings of 553 for seven declared.
"It was a very, very good day for me and the team. Hopefully we can do good things again tomorrow." New Zealand enter the fourth day holding an overall lead of 154 runs with nine second innings wicket in hand.
"Tomorrow is a big day for us," Mahmudullah said.
"If we can pick up early wickets it will be a different game then."
