Shaheens Fight Back with Late Strikes as Bangladesh ‘A’ Lead by 163 Runs

Late strikes from Khurram Shahzad and Faisal Akram put Pakistan Shaheens in a strong position at the close of day two of the second four-day match against Bangladesh ‘A’ at the DXC Arena in Darwin. Bangladesh ‘A’ ended the day at 84-3 in 27 overs, with a lead of 163 runs.

Khurram Shahzad struck early with the new ball, removing Parvez Hossain Emon for 7 in the third over. Despite this setback, Bangladesh ‘A’ began to build on their 79-run first-innings lead. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (39 not out) and Amite Hasan (25) formed a solid 57-run second-wicket partnership. However, Faisal Akram’s left-arm wrist spin dismissed Amite leg-before in the 24th over, and Khurram struck again an over later to send Hasan Murad back for a seven-ball duck.

Aich Mollah (8 not out) joined Mahmudul Hasan Joy at the crease, and they will resume batting on day three.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan Shaheens could only add 140 runs to their overnight total of 39-2, being bowled out for 179 in 67.2 overs, trailing by 79 runs. Omair Bin Yousuf was the first to fall on day two, dismissed for seven by Rejaur Rehman Raja.

Nightwatchman Mohammad Ali and Umar Amin added 30 runs before both were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Shaheens struggling at 69-5. Tayyab Tahir (30) and Kamran Ghulam (48) then stitched together a crucial 78-run sixth-wicket partnership, with Kamran top-scoring for the Shaheens.

Bangladesh ‘A’ struck back by removing Kamran, Muhammad Irfan Khan (9), and Tayyab within five overs, reducing Shaheens to 147-8. Khurram Shahzad offered some resistance with 16 off 35 balls but was eventually dismissed as Shaheens were bowled out for 179.

Ripon Mondol was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh ‘A’, returning figures of 4-71, while Rejaur Rehman Raja took three wickets. Hasan Murad and Maruf Mridha also contributed with two and one wickets, respectively.

Scores in Brief:

Bangladesh A: 258 all out in 67.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 69, Aich Mollah 55, Mahidul Islam Ankon 31, Parvez Hossain Emon 30; Khurram Shahzad 3-69, Kamran Ghulam 2-6, Kashif Ali 2-21, Faisal Akram 2-87) and 84-3 in 27 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 39 not out, Amite Hasan 25; Khurram Shahzad 2-30, Faisal Akram 1-9)

Pakistan Shaheens: 179 all out in 67.2 overs (Kamran Ghulam 48, Tayyab Tahir 30, Umar Amin 25; Ripon Mondol 4-71, Rejaur Rehman Raja 3-33, Hasan Murad 2-32)

Bangladesh ‘A’ lead by 163 runs.