ISLAMABAD: The first four-day match between Bangladesh ‘A’ and hosts Pakistan Shaheens ended in a draw at the Islamabad Club on Friday.

The match which was largely affected by rain, saw 39.2 overs bowled on the fourth day, as play resumed at 2:00pm (PST).

The third day’s play on Thursday was completely washed out due to rain.

Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens declared their first innings at the overnight score of 367-4 with a lead of 245 runs.

In their second innings, Bangladesh ‘A’ managed to score 153-5 when play was stopped due to bad light and ultimately resulting in a draw. For Shaheens, fast bowlers Mir Hamza and Mohammad Ali bagged two wickets apiece, while Mohammad Rameez Jr grabbed one wicket.

For the visiting team, Nayeem Hasan was the top run-getter, scoring 55 off 69 balls, laced with 11 fours. Opening batter Zakir Hasan scored a 45-ball 33, which included three fours and a six.

Captains of both teams said that the match was good for their practice ahead of the upcoming two-match Test series between the senior sides of both countries.

Speaking to reporters, Shaheens captain Saud Shakeel said that the side was a great platform for learning for all players specially for those who have not played international cricket yet.

He said that he had been enjoying captaincy and always tried that his performance could play role in Pakistan’s victory.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh ‘A’ captain Anamul Haque said that his side learnt a lot in the match and the experienced they gain will be helpful for next match to better execute plans.

Both sides will now feature in the second four-day game from August 20, which is scheduled at the same venue.

Scores in brief:

BANGLADESH ‘A’ 122 in 44.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 65; Naseem Shah 3-24, Mir Hamza 3-33, Mohammad Rameez Jnr 2-41); 153-5 in 39.2 overs (Nayeem Hasan 55, Zakir Hasan 33; Mir Hamza 2-13, Mohammad Ali 2-34); PAKISTAN SHAHEENS 367-4 (dec.) in 90 overs (Umar Amin 177, Saud Shakeel 76, Mohammad Huraira 39, Saad Khan 31 not out, Kamran Ghulam 20 not out; Hasan Murad 2-49).

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2024