The visitors finished the day on 207 for 5 at stumps after Bangla-desh's innings had folded for 177 in the morning.

"Maybe we could not execute our plans totally and did not bowl in the desired channel consistently enough. But having scored only 177, which I think is no score on this wicket, we should be satisfied with the overall situation. Another wicket or two would have been even better," said Mashud.

Looking forward to the remaining three days, Mashud believed the Tigers were still in the match.

"The wicket will suit us more as we are used to these conditions. The New Zealanders are comfortable when they can play on the up but they can't do that on this wicket."

But Mashud, who remained stranded on 23 not out was highly critical of the team's batting.

"Those who are happy to term our effort to reach 177 from 5-3 as a recovery are not doing any good for the team. Just one hundred-run partnership is not good enough to put on a defendable total. It is damaging to get satisfied with small totals and we should get rid of such mentality," said Mashud adding that he saw no demons in the wicket when he batted.

Mashud picked Mohammad Rafique as the key man if they are to restrict the New Zealand innings within manageable proportions.

"I think it is very much possible to bowl them out quickly but it will depend on the bowlers' accuracy. I believe Rafique will play a big role tomorrow," said Mashud who believed that Rafique, who is just one wicket shy of becoming the first Bangladeshi bowler to take 50 Test wickets, was the best left-arm spinner in the world.

"I am not saying this because he is my teammate and I am taking nothing away from Daniel Vettori. But I think Rafique is the best because he has to do it all alone as he does not enjoy the kind of support Vettori gets from his fellow bowlers."

Coach Dav Whatmore was hoping for a strong morning session on day three.

"We should have a good rest and come back tomorrow and try to get those remaining five wickets as soon as possible. It will not be easy as they bat deep but we knew that it was going to be tough. We just have to forget the score and work hard on the field."