KEY POINTS:
Call this Daniel Vettori's test.
It might be called a few other things besides, but when the New Zealand captain puts his bat and ball away for good, he'll reckon this to be among his finest performances. A batting double of 55 not out and 76, and match analysis of 78-28-133-9 speak eloquently of his contribution to this win.
He put himself in at No 4 in the second innings shortly before stumps on the fourth day. Perhaps it was not so much to be the nightwatchman, more a case of wanting to show his batsmen how the job should be approached, and what he'd thought of their first innings effort.
His was a conscientious, admirable five days' work. Forget that this was "only" Bangladesh. New Zealand came within a short distance of a hugely embarrassing first loss to them in seven matches.
Bangladesh had the better of the first three and a half days, but were unable to close the deal. Without Vettori, even though they displayed naivety in their field placings and bowling choices yesterday, Bangladesh would still more than likely have won.
This was only the fifth time in 54 tests that Bangladesh had extended the match into the fifth day. It was largely uncharted territory for them. They'll learn from the experience.
This was a test of endurance, for players and watchers. It was a crawl, a case of quantity over quality for much of the time.
Too often it was possible to leave the couch, run the dog round the block, put the jug on, and return to discover two runs had been added.
The win - New Zealand's second best successful fourth innings chase behind 324 for five against Pakistan in Christchurch in 1994 and easily their best overseas - should not disguise some rather average cricket.
Much of the first innings batting was tentative, witless and sloppy against enthusiastic opponents.
The bowlers toiled hard but often perspiration outweighed inspiration.
Hats off for resolute fourth innings efforts by Aaron Redmond and Daniel Flynn.
In their first year in the national side, this was an occasion for them to savour, particularly Flynn, who saw the job through with a gritty performance last night. He appeals as possessing the qualities as a long-term anchor in the test lineup.
