The opening Test between New Zealand and Bangladesh is heading towards a thrilling conclusion following a drama-filled day four in Wellington.

New Zealand were late to the ground at Basin Reserve, while Imrul Kayes had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after sustaining an injury on Sunday.

And the Black Caps will fancy their chances of an unlikely win after claiming three late wickets to leave Bangladesh 66-3 at stumps, still trailing by 122 runs.

Night watchman Mehedi Hasan Miraz (1) was run out on the final ball of the day, after opener Tamim Iqbal (25) was bowled by Mitch Santner (1-19) and Neil Wagner (1-14) took the wicket of Mahmudullah (5).

Bangladesh batted again after the Kiwis were eventually dismissed for 539 in response to the tourists' declaration of 595-8 in the first innings.

Centurion Tom Latham continued to lead New Zealand's response, the batsman producing a superb 177-run knock on the penultimate day.

Resuming on 119 with the Black Caps 292-3, New Zealand lost Henry Nicholls (53) and Colin de Grandhomme (14) within five overs.

Latham held firm, adding 58 runs to his overnight score before he was trapped lbw by Shakib Al Hasan (2-78).

In the absence of Latham, BJ Watling (49) and Santner (73) put on a seventh-wicket partnership worth 73 runs to help the hosts chase down Bangladesh's first-innings total.

The resistance was eventually broken by Mahmudullah (2-15), who struck again in the 133rd over to dismiss Tim Southee lbw for one.

Wagner withstood a barrage of bouncers to add 18 runs before he and Santner were dismissed after tea, with the Kiwis still 56 runs in arrears.