Khaled Ahmed lit up the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium once again, claiming his ninth five-wicket haul in first-class cricket and bundling out New Zealand ‘A’ for 256 runs. Despite the local pacer’s brilliance with the ball, rain disrupted the second session of Day 2 in the ongoing rain-hit four-day unofficial Test.
Day 1 was all about Khaled’s electric start as he grabbed 4 wickets, helping reduce the visitors to 226 for 8 in 64 overs. Continuing his domination on the second morning, the right-arm pacer took two more wickets quickly, ending the innings with a superb figure of 6 for 59 in 21.2 overs, including 6 maidens.
Khaled received excellent support from fellow pacer Anamul Haque, who picked up 3 wickets, while Ebadot Hossain chipped in with one.
For New Zealand ‘A’, Mitchell Hay was the standout performer with a gritty 81 off 134 deliveries. Dean Foxcroft (47) and Christian Clarke (28) made notable contributions.
In reply, Bangladesh ‘A’ made a confident start with the bat, reaching 30 for no loss in 7 overs before rain halted play. Opener Anamul Haque Bijoy remained unbeaten on 20, alongside Zakir Hasan, who was not out on 9.
Despite Khaled’s explosive bowling giving Bangladesh ‘A’ early momentum, the weather has now taken control of the match’s pace, with the second session washed out due to rain.
UA / TDS
