Bangladesh A openers Naim Sheikh and Saif Hasan struck impressive half-centuries to guide their team to 225-4 on Day 1 of the second four-day match against New Zealand A at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Rain shortened play to just 57.3 overs, but Bangladesh made the most of the limited time in their bid to level the two-match series after a 70-run defeat in the opener.
Naim led the charge with a fluent 82 off 94 balls, hammering 10 fours and 2 sixes, while Saif contributed a composed 51. The innings began with a strong 130-run opening partnership between Naim and Anamul Haque Bijoy, who fell just short of a half-century with 48.
Naim’s promising innings ended soon after Bijoy’s dismissal when he was deceived by left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox. Saif then partnered with Zakir Hasan (19) to maintain momentum before falling post his fifty.
With rain looming, Amite Hasan and Mahidul Islam Ankon began to rebuild the innings but were forced off early due to weather.
For New Zealand A, Zakary Foulkes was the most successful bowler, picking up 2-40, while Lennox and Matthew Boyle claimed one wicket each.
