Mahmudul, Mushfiq hit fifties in NZ

Youngster Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mushfiqur Rahim both struck fifties in Bangladesh’s two-day warm-up match against New Zealand XI, which ended in a draw.

After the rain-hit first day, New Zealand XI declared their innings on 146-7. In reply, Bangladesh mustered 269-8 by the end of the second day.

New Zealand XI ended the first day on 71-5 before the covers were called in, courtesy of some fiery bowling from Abu Jayed Rahi and Taskin Ahmed.

They had a better start on the second day as Jakob Bhula and Ma’ara Ave put together a 74-run stand to take them into three figures. Bhula went on to pick up a fifty before Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismissed him for 57. After Bhula’s dismissal, New Zealand XI soon declared on 146-7.

Miraz picked both of Bangladesh’s wickets on the second day. Rahi had picked up three on the first day, with Taskin picking two.

In reply, Bangladesh lost opener Shadman Islam in the first over to Brett Randell. But Mahmudul and Najmul Hossain Shanto put together a 50-run stand to steady the ship before Najmul (27) was sent back by Kristian Clarke.

Skipper Mominul Haque (9) did not last long as Tim Pringle rattled his stumps before Joy picked up his fifty.

He was eventually gone on 66 when he nicked one to wicketkeeper Ave off Randell.

Mushfiq and Liton Das put together a 74-run stand before Pringle removed Mushfiq for 66, and Clarke got the better of Liton on 41.

Yasir Ali Rabbi and Miraz scored 21 and 20, as Bangladesh ended on 269-8.

After the match, Mahmudul said they were hopeful of doing something good in the upcoming two-match Test series.

“We have come here a while ago, but there was a ten-day quarantine. After quarantine, we had the opportunity to practice for a few days. And we managed to do well in batting on the second day of our only practice match. I scored 66, Mushfiq bhai also scored 66. We have had a very good preparation. We are hopeful that something good will happen going forward,” he said after the warm-up match.

Bangladesh’s first Test of their series will start on the first day of 2022 at Mount Maunganui. The second will Test at Christchurch will start on January 9.