Anamul's slow return

Opener Anamul Haque returned from injury to post a hard-fought 94 for Prime Bank South Zone on Day One of the first match of the Bangladesh Cricket League's longer version tournament against BCB North Zone at Fatullah yesterday.

This was Anamul's first game since he injured his shoulder in the World Cup against Scotland. His injury was the only reason why he couldn't make it to the ODI squad for the Pakistan series.

As opposed to his general approach, the batsman took his time for the innings. He faced 226 balls for his 94 and spent close to six hours at the crease before getting caught off Saqlain Sajib.

He hit three sixes and seven fours in the innings. South Zone got in trouble early after electing to bat as their top order crumbled against Ariful Haque's burst with the new ball.

Ariful took four wickets in his first spell and reduced South Zone to 19 for 4 after 10 overs.

That's when wicketkeeper Nurul Hasan joined Anamul at the crease and together they stitched a 142-run stand to bring them back in the game.

After their dismissals, Shohag Gazi and Ziaur Rahman fought hard to help South Zone finish the day on 255 for 8. 

SCORES IN BRIEF

SOUTH ZONE: 255 for 8 (Anamul 94, Nurul 78, Ziaur 38, Shohag 24 not out; Ariful 6-48, Forhad 1-4, Saqlain 1-26)