Shakib Al Hasan and Abdur Razzak were singled out for special praise from New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori after he single-handedly won a tight match for the Kiwis.

Vettori claimed 5-59 and 4-74 in the two innings, made a crucial top score of 55 not out in New Zealand’s first innings as they conceded a 74-run deficit and then scored a typically pugnacious 76 batting as a night-watchman at number four to lead his team home.

New Zealand finished 317-7 to win by three wickets after it looked as though Bangladesh would record their first win in Test cricket against a major nation. The Black Caps are now 1-0 up in the two-match series.

Vettori said Bangladesh were worthy of their Test status with the talent they have in their ranks. Left-arm spinners Shakib and Razzak made it a treacherous run chase for the Kiwis, even on a pitch that got better to bat on.

Shakib claimed career best first-innings figures of 7-36 and made a fighting 71 in the second innings. Razzak claimed 3-93 from 50 overs as New Zealand reached their target.

“I was particularly impressed with Shakib,” Vettori, considered the best left-arm spinner in the world, told reporters afterwards. “He maintained his line and length, bowled a lot and obviously batted well.

“For a young guy coming into his seventh or eighth Test match to bowl that well consistently must be very encouraging for the Bangladesh side.

“Shakib and Razzak bowled exceptionally well throughout the Test so it was not an easy challenge.

“If you look at the Bangladesh players from an individual level there are some really talented guys and now they have got to try and put it together as a team.”