Bangladesh draw practice match with SA XI

Amid the injury scare, Bangladesh warmed up well in their three-day practice game against Cricket South Africa Invitational XI at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni yesterday.

The match predictably ended in a draw after Bangladesh declared their second innings for 235 for nine with opener Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman making the respective half-century. Sabbir hit second half-century in the match as he top scored the side with 67, following his 58 not out in the first innings.

The consistency which he showed was much needed for him after his mediocre performance against Australia in the home Test series. Sabbir’s form is also important, considering the team’s best batsman Tamim Iqbal is in uneasiness with thigh muscle injury which he received during the first day of the match. His fellow opener Soumya Sarker was also believed to be injured as he didn’t bat in the team’s second innings.

However the team’s physio said both of them will be fit ahead of the first Test, slated to begin from September.

“Tamim is suffering from a minor muscle injury but he looks pretty good now. He is batting in the net today. Hopefully he will be fit ahead of the Test match,” the physio said. “Soumya feels some pain in his shoulder while he was fielding. He didn’t bat as a pre-caution.”

Sabbir however said he is confident to carry on the form after having two fifty plus score in the  match.  “When you get runs, it will give you confidence always,” said Sabbir. “Whatever the format is, making runs is important. After getting two half-centuries in the match I feel confident. Hopefully I’ll carry on it.”

Kayes replaced him in opening position and grabbed the opportunity with both hands by making 51. After 34 in the first innings, Kayes feel some relieved after the horror show against Australia. Mominul Haque also showed some consistency, having scored 33 after his 68 in the first innings.

Mushfiqur Rahim cut a forlorn figure (3) in the second innings but still his 63 in the first innings would give him some confidence. However Mahmudullah Riyad whose experience prompted selectors to replace Shakib in the top of the batting order was a disappointing figure amongst the batsman. After a first ball duck in the first innings, he made just 15 in the second innings. He is the one of the two batsmen in the top order who failed to have minimum contribution in each of the innings.

Liton Das was the other with 0 and 2 runs in the both innings. Liton was considered in wicket-keeping position instead of Mushfiqur Rahim and his batting is considered vital but the disappointing figure was not something the team management expected.

Bangladesh bowlers however bowled in just one innings and weren’t that bad. Mustafizur and Subashis bowled seven maidens each, while the spinners Mehedi Hasan and Taijul Islam were also among the wickets. Bangladesh, though, will be concerned about the form of Shafiul Islam and Taskin Ahmed, who conceded at least five runs an over. However, they will be pleased with the arrival of Rubel Hossain, who joined the squad late because of a visa-related issue.

 

Bangladesh draw practice match with SA XI

Amid the injury scare, Bangladesh warmed up well in their three-day practice game against Cricket South Africa Invitational XI at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni yesterday. The match predictably ended in a draw after Bangladesh declared their second innings for 235 for nine with opener Imrul Kayes and Sabbir Rahman making the respective half-century. Sabbir hit second half-century in the match as he top scored the side with 67, following his 58 not out in the first innings. The consistency which he showed was much needed for him after his mediocre performance against Australia in the home Test series. Sabbirs form is also important, considering the teams best batsman Tamim Iqbal is in uneasiness with thigh muscle injury which he received during the first day of the match. His fellow opener Soumya Sarker was also believed to be injured as he didnt bat in the teams second innings. However the teams physio said both of them will be fit ahead of the first Test, slated to begin from September. Tamim is suffering from a minor muscle injury but he looks pretty good now. He is batting in the net today. Hopefully he will be fit ahead of the Test match, the physio said. Soumya feels some pain in his shoulder while he was fielding. He didnt bat as a pre-caution. Sabbir however said he is confident to carry on the form after having two fifty plus score in the match. When you get runs, it will give you confidence always, said Sabbir. Whatever the format is, making runs is important. After getting two half-centuries in the match I feel confident. Hopefully Ill carry on it. Kayes replaced him in opening position and grabbed the opportunity with both hands by making 51. After 34 in the first innings, Kayes feel some relieved after the horror show against Australia. Mominul Haque also showed some consistency, having scored 33 after his 68 in the first innings. Mushfiqur Rahim cut a forlorn figure (3) in the second innings but still his 63 in the first innings would give him some confidence. However Mahmudullah Riyad whose experience prompted selectors to replace Shakib in the top of the batting order was a disappointing figure amongst the batsman. After a first ball duck in the first innings, he made just 15 in the second innings. He is the one of the two batsmen in the top order who failed to have minimum contribution in each of the innings. Liton Das was the other with 0 and 2 runs in the both innings. Liton was considered in wicket-keeping position instead of Mushfiqur Rahim and his batting is considered vital but the disappointing figure was not something the team management expected. Bangladesh bowlers however bowled in just one innings and werent that bad. Mustafizur and Subashis bowled seven maidens each, while the spinners Mehedi Hasan and Taijul Islam were also among the wickets. Bangladesh, though, will be concerned about the form of Shafiul Islam and Taskin Ahmed, who conceded at least five runs an over. However, they will be pleased with the arrival of Rubel Hossain, who joined the squad late because of a visa-related issue.