Bangladesh Test team captain Najmul Hossain Shanto opened the batting for BCB Red against BCB Green in a two-day practice match ahead of the forthcoming Sri Lanka tour at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday.
Shanto struck seven fours in his 39-ball 40 while opening with Shadman Islam. This move hinted at a strong possibility of Shanto returning to this role in the batting order, which he last did in April 2023.
The match was initially planned to be played between the national team and the 鈥楢鈥� team. However, it was changed, as the players selected for the Sri Lanka series were divided into two teams.
Opting to bat first, BCB Red declared their first innings on 247-9. BCB Green finished the day on 31-1 after 10 overs, with Anamul Haque being dismissed by Khaled Ahmed.
Mominul Haque was the top scorer for BCB Red, making 78 off 131 deliveries. Although he did that on the second opportunity, as he was run out after facing just two balls earlier. He hit 10 boundaries and two sixes in his innings.
The left-hander shared a steady partnership with Liton Das, who contributed 43 off 97 balls.
Pacer Ebadot Hossain, returning to the national fold after nearly two years, impressed with three wickets. He spent 28 runs from his 11 overs.
Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan also made his mark, picking up three scalps for 75 runs from 23 overs to stall the Red鈥檚 innings.
Fast bowler Nahid Rana and left-arm spinner Hasan Murad picked up one wicket each.
Bangladesh will play two Tests against Sri Lanka; the first of the series will be played at Galle from June 17, while the second match is scheduled to commence in Colombo on June 25.
The first Test will also mark the beginning of Bangladesh鈥檚 journey in the 2025鈥�2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle.
Bangladesh will depart for Sri Lanka on June 13.
