Following the conclusion of the three-match ODI series, the Bangladesh ‘A’ team took the field today for the first four-day match against New Zealand ‘A’ in Sylhet. At the end of Day 1, the hosts are in a commanding position. Batting first, the Kiwis lost 8 wickets and managed to score 226 runs in 64 overs on a rain-interrupted day.
Pacer Enamul Haque impressed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 31 runs in 9 overs. Fellow pacer Khaled Ahmed was even more impactful, claiming 4 wickets. By stumps, Mitch Hay was unbeaten on 68 runs off 106 balls, while Christian Clark remained not out on 11 off 21 deliveries.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh ‘A’ got off to a strong start. New Zealand ‘A’ were reduced to 101 for 6, staring at the possibility of a quick collapse. Rhys Mariu scored 13, and captain Joe Carter contributed 17. Batting at number three, Nick Kelly managed 20 from 40 balls before falling leg-before to Ebadot Hossain. Mohammad Abbas added just 5 before being caught behind.
Matthew Boyle chipped in with 14, and Josh Clarkson was bowled by a beautiful delivery from Enamul Haque.
The Kiwi innings saw some recovery thanks to Dean Foxcroft, who played a composed knock of 47 before falling just three runs short of a half-century. His partnership with Mitch Hay brought some stability to the innings and gave New Zealand something to build on.
Despite the late resistance, Bangladesh ‘A’ clearly ended the first day on top, with their bowlers dominating the visitors under overcast conditions.
