Saif, Taskin impress in practice game before NZ series

Saif Hasan and Taskin Ahmed starred with bat and ball respectively in an internal practice match as part of Bangladesh’s preparation for the upcoming New Zealand series.

Saif smashed a 133-ball 138, laced with six fours and eight sixes, while Taskin returned impressive figures of 4-27. Riding on their performances, Team A thrashed Team B by 128 runs at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Team A, made up of players from the national squad for the New Zealand ODI series, posted a formidable 292-8 after being asked to bat first, largely thanks to Saif’s blistering knock. However, the rest of the batting lineup failed to fire, much to the concern of the team management.

Afif Hossain was the second-highest scorer with 34, while Tanzim Hasan Sakib contributed 27.

For Team B, pacer Ebadot Hossain and off-spinner Mosaddek Hossain Saikat picked up two wickets each.

Chasing a stiff target, Team B faltered under pressure as Taskin Ahmed wreaked havoc with his pace. Soumya Sarkar, who is part of the squad for the New Zealand series, was the lone bright spot with 55, as Team B were bowled out for 164 in 26.3 overs.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with two wickets each alongside Taskin’s four-wicket haul, reports BSS.