Tamim, Saif, Shanto, Mushfiq warm up with fifties in practice match

Bangladesh batsmen Tamim Iqbal, Saif Hasan, Nazmul Hasan Shanto and Mushfiqur Rahim hit impressive fifties in Bangladesh’s intra-squad practice match at CMCG at Katunayake in Sri Lanka on Saturday as Tamim Iqbal XI posted a satisfying 314 for one at the close of the opening day of the two-day practice match.

In a bid to prepare them for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, The 21-men Bangladesh preliminary squad is playing a two-day inter-squad practice match amongst themselves.

Bangladesh’s frequent batting collapses both at home and abroad is a cause of concern. Their recent past Test and limited over batting collapses against West Indies and New Zealand had left Bangladesh team management concerned and searching for answers.

However, Bangladesh’s batting finally came good as most of the batsmen of Tamim XI got runs against Mominul-led XI.

Opting to bat first, Tamim XI reached 204 without loss at tea interval with Tamim retired after scoring 63. Saif and Shanto also retired after scoring half century after which Mushfiqur Rahim, Nurul Hasan and Liton Das were given a hit. Saif managed 52 while Shanto struck 53. Mushfiqur Rahim also made 66 while Nurul Hasan added 48.

Tamim XI dominated over Mominul XI bowlers as Liton Das was the only batsman who was dismissed.

Chief selector Minhajul Abedin Nannu was satisfied after watching the opening day practice match. In a video message sent by the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) on Saturday, the chief selector said, “It was a good practice at the ground and was important to adjust with the condition and the wicket here,”

“We have completed the first day of the two-day practice game. Our top order batted really well. Bowlers also tried their best to maintain line and length and hit the good area. Overall, I will say it’s a good practice. Tomorrow (Sunday) we have another day of practice game and I think the players will be well prepared for the Test series with this practice game,” he added,

Earlier last week BCB announced a 21-member squad for the series, saying the line-up for the series will be confirmed only after a two-day warm-up match in Sri Lanka. The first match of the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka will begin on April 21 at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy.