Bangladesh ‘A’ failed to complete a clean sweep over their New Zealand counterparts as they lost to the visitors by four wickets in their third and final match of the three-match one-day series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
Bangladesh had already secured the series, winning their first two games by seven wickets and 87 runs, respectively. However, they failed to carry on their momentum in the third match to finish the series 2-1.
After being put into bat first, Bangladesh managed 226 in 47.3 overs, then the visitors successfully chased down the target, 231-6 in 48.2 overs, despite all-round brilliance from Nasum Ahmed.
Nasum, who was absent in the first two matches, was the standout performer for Bangladesh as he scored 67 runs and took two wickets.
‘I tried to stay at the wicket as long as possible. I was able to execute well, and that’s why I was able to score runs. Batting is my plus point, and I’m happy to contribute with the bat for the team,’ said Nasum after the match.
Bangladesh lost openers Naim Sheikh (4) and Anamul Haque (2) in the first four overs. The hosts lost two more wickets after Yasir Ali and Saif Hassan added 37 runs for the third wicket.
Saif contributed 31 off 25 deliveries, and Afif Hossain, who came as a replacement, scored just one run. Last match’s centurion Nurul Hasan (12) and Mosaddek Hossain Saikat (4) also fell cheaply.
Yasir had to depart soon, scoring 63 off 65, which included nine fours and a six as Bangladesh slumped to 146-7 at one stage.
Nasum struck a fifty and shared two crucial stands of 34 and 47 runs, respectively, with Nayeem Hasan (10) and Ebadot Hossain (12) to help the side post a respectable total.
New Zealand got off to a strong start as openers Rhys Mariu (33) and Dale Phillips (34) shared a 77-run stand, but the spinners pulled their side back into the contest.
After the dismissal of Rhys, the visitors kept losing wickets at regular intervals as they were reduced to 166-6.
However, Dean Foxcroft (36) and Zak Foulkes (28) formed an unbroken partnership of 65 runs to wrap up the match without any further inconvenience.
Nasum, Mosaddek and Nayeem Hasan took two wickets each for Bangladesh.
Both the teams will now play a two-match, four-day series, starting on May 14 at the same venue. The second match will be held in Mirpur from May 21.
