Bangladesh 'A' top-order puts on a better show

Bangladesh 'A' put on a far more composed batting display against New Zealand 'A' on the opening day of the second four-day match at Mirpur's Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, following a lackluster showing in the first game in Sylhet.

Openers Mohammad Naim and Anamul Haque Bijoy led the charge with a 130-run stand, laying a strong platform after the top order struggled previously. Naim was the standout, scoring an aggressive 82 off 94 balls, including 10 boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed via a brilliant diving catch by Dean Foxcroft at long-off.

Bijoy contributed a solid 48 before falling to a short ball from Zak Foulkes, while Saif Hassan continued the momentum with a fluent 51 off 84 deliveries. He was eventually caught at deep square leg, also off Foulkes' bowling, after a 43-run partnership with Amite Hasan.

In contrast to the pace-friendly conditions on the first day in Sylhet, where New Zealand secured a 70-run win, the Mirpur pitch offered little assistance to the pacers early on, allowing Bangladesh 'A' to dominate the first session. Sylhet however saw spin come into play on the final day and spinners could come into play later on in Mirpur

Rain brought an early end to the day's play with Bangladesh 'A' well-placed at 225 for 4, with Amite Hasan and Mahidul Islam unbeaten at the crease.