New Zealand took a 1-0 series lead at the Divisional Stadium yesterday, though not before having to work harder than ever before to extend their unbeaten record against Bangladesh to seven tests.
The execution of the three-wicket triumph -- easily their narrowest margin against the sub-continent minnows -- yielded several highlights, not least the all round performance of captain Daniel Vettori.
He was an inspiration, taking nine wickets and twice overshadowing his middle order, the second time as nightwatchman with a match-clinching 76.
However, it was the contribution of two players that batted in tandem with Vettori that prompted coach John Bracewell to describe the win as one exemplified by "great character".
New Zealand were on the back foot for long periods of the contest, particularly after petering out for 171 in their first innings -- a technically deficient performance that gifted Bangladesh with a 74-run lead.
Bangladesh extended the margin to 317 and would have fancied their chances of completing a second test victory.
Aaron Redmond, Daniel Flynn and debutant Jesse Ryder spoiled that theory with three innings lacking sparkle but full of substance.
Opener Redmond's 79 -- his maiden test 50 -- set the tone for New Zealand's record fourth innings run chase on foreign soil; Flynn (49) was unflappable until the scores were tied while Ryder atoned for a five-ball introduction to test cricket with a 38, ended when he ran himself out.
"With the youth and inexperience we carried into the side .... it is one of our great character wins," Bracewell said.
"The way guys assessed the run chase and committed to it and applied themselves by having to change technique .... it was a test of their individual character."
After lasting just 64.5 overs in their first innings, New Zealand played out 137.2 overs before completing the winning run.
It was slow going but the test rookies -- Redmond, Flynn and Ryder had nine tests between them -- at least appear quick learners.
A debrief after the first innings prescribed technical changes, mostly to do with where they took guard. The righthanders were told to take leg against the spinners to lessen the chance of falling leg before wicket, while the lefthanders were instructed to smother the ball outside off stump -- and a significant improvement followed.
"There is an art to play in the sub-continent and it's an experience thing," Bracewell said.
"We've been working on how to play over here but it's seldom in your test match career out of New Zealand that you're facing spin within the first 10 overs of a test match.
"That took its toll but the guys ability to adapt and change in a quick turnaround is testament to their commitment and their ability."
"The way the two of them (Redmond and Flynn) showed great adaptability to the conditions.
"That's not always the case with New Zealanders (on the sub-continent). They stubbornly go with what they know, but they put away some of their shots and reapplied their strategies to get through this game."
Ryder, chosen to bat at three because of his ability against pace, also emerged with credit after facing spin earlier than anticipated.
"Once he got through the shock of facing spin in his first test, he looked comfortable in the environment."
New Zealand have fashioned an ordinary record on the sub-continent, yesterday's victory just their 10th in 61 tests against Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka -- 26 have been lost and 25 drawn.
Bracewell was hopeful his maturing players may address that balance in the future, starting at the Sher-e Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Saturday.
"It was a dramatic turn around (between) the first to the second innings. Now we need to make sure that character turns into consistency."
