Test squad members Shamsur Rahman and Shubhagata Hom scored half-centuries as Bangladesh Cricket Board XI gained an 11-run lead and reached 252-6 on the second day of the three-day match against Zimbabwe at Fatullah on Tuesday. Shamsur scored highest 69 runs while Shubhagata remained unbeaten on 53 runs as stumps were drawn after 80 overs upon mutual consent of the teams.
The only other highlight of the day was leg-spinner Natsai M’shangwe’s four-wicket haul, which indicated Zimbabwe also came with some spin action at their disposal.
BCB XI resumed the second day’s play with 11-1, trailing the visitors by 230 runs. However, some solid batting by Test contenders proved enough to keep the Zimbabweans on their toes for the whole day.
Shamsur, who was drafted into the side to gain some batting practice ahead of the Test series, looked good throughout his innings and did not spare any bad ball hitting nine fours and a six during his three-hour stay.
Shamsur and young Rony Talukder (46) added 93 runs for the second wicket partnership to set a platform for the home side before Zimbabwe finally tested some success as leg-spinner Tafadzwa Kamungozi trapped Rony leg-before for 46.
Shamsur, who completed his fifty shortly after the lunch break, played 158 balls before Natsai made him the catch of Sikandar Raza to begin his haul of 4-98.
Marshal (31) failed to respond to the need of the hour despite spending some time at the middle. Shubhagata, who will be vying for a late order spot in the Test side did not waste his chance by scoring his fifty that also helped the BCB XI maintain their dominance.
Despite seeing Zimbabwe, distinctly the second best side in the game, coach Stephen Mangongo said he is happy with the outcome of the match as well as with the performance of the young leggie.
Mangongo however suggested they don’t want to rush him to the starting line-up.
‘M’shangwe.is a young spinner we don’t want to rush him,’ Mongono told reporters ‘We want to take a little bit of time as we don’t want to give him too much load. He is learning very well and developing,’ said Mongono.
Mongono admitted that Zimbabwe lost some edge on spin department due to losing Prosper Utseya, who was banned by ICC for illegal bowling action recently ‘Utseya is a very important member of our team. It is a pity that he is not available,’ the coach said.
-With New Age input
