Saif’s five-hour long gritty fifty holds Bangladesh 'A' innings

Bangladesh 'A' batter Saif Hassan survived the test of patience after batting for almost five hours as the visitors avoided getting bundled out against hosts West Indies 'A' on another rain-affected day of the second and final four-day match at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground in St Lucia on Thursday.

The Mohammad Mithun-led side tallied 157 for five from 84 overs at the end of day two, on a day where as many as 50 overs could be bowled following a delayed start due to wet outfield conditions.

Saif, who came in to bat at one-down, faced 217 balls for his unbeaten 63 after resuming from his overnight score of 23 and held the innings from his end as Bangladesh, resuming day two on 69 for one after 34 overs of play on day, kept losing wickets at regular intervals.  

Opener Shadman Islam was the first depart on 25 early in the day while Mithun could only contribute to a 20-run stand with the 23-year-old Saif, who has featured in six Tests for the national side and is yet to hit a half-century at the international stage.

The home side's Colin Archibald was the chief destroyer with three for 31 as the left-arm seamer got the crucial couple of wickets, of Mithun and Zakir Hasan, late in the day.