The national selectors missed an opportunity to assess potential bowlers for the Bangladesh ‘A’ team as Saturday’s practice match between the BCB XI and the Under-23 squad at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium was called-off due to rain.
This was the second practice match to be abandoned in as many days due to rain. Selectors were particularly keen to observe these contests as they are to soon announce the Bangladesh ‘A’ team for the tour of England in August.
The match was initially curtailed to a 45-over affair after a delayed start, but match officials called it off altogether at 2.23 pm, after just four balls were delivered after lunch. The BCB XI had put up a score of 235-8 in their 45 overs.
The BCB XI were struggling at 70-4 before two crucial half-centuries by Marshal Ayub and Mahmudullah steadied the ship, as they put on 69 runs for the fifth-wicket and helped post a respectable total, with the rain-slowed outfield restricting scoring.
Marshal made 60 off 60 balls, with three boundaries and a six before left-arm spinner Nazmul Apo trapped him lbw.
National vice-captain Mahmudullah struck two huge sixes on his way to 59 runs before top-edging a short ball off Soumyo Sarker, which was gladly accepted by talented wicketkeeper-batsman Nurul Hasan.
Meharab also chipped in with a 31 runs and helped the BCB XI pass the 200-run mark, which looked unlikely in the morning after Kamrul Islam and Soumyo displayed some fine pace bowling, claiming three wickets each.
Kamrul’s figures were 3-23, while Soumyo was expensive at 3-52.
Myshukur Rahman and Mizanur Rahman could not open their accounts before their reply was cut short after just four balls from Robiul Islam, as heavy drizzle sent them running back to the dressing room and eventually stopped any further play.
Another practice match featuring the same two sides is scheduled to be played today at SBNS. In their first practice match, the Under-23 team won by three wickets.
-With New Age input
