Sylhet: Bangladesh A made an impressive start to the three-match unofficial ODI series against New Zealand A, clinching a seven-wicket victory in the first encounter at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. Bowlers, led by pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed, played a crucial role in this triumph.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Khaled claimed 3-27, spearheading a potent bowling attack that bundled out New Zealand for just 147 after the visitors decided to bat first. Bangladesh batters comfortably chased down the target, reaching 149-3 in 27.2 overs.
Left-arm spinner Tanvir Islam contributed significantly, taking 3-45 and supporting Khaled in dismantling the New Zealand batting lineup. Pacers Shoriful Islam and Ebadot Hossain added to the pressure by claiming two wickets each.
The Bangladesh selectors assembled the A team largely with players who recently featured in the national team, whereas New Zealand fielded a squad of mostly rookie players. The Bangladesh side dominated the young New Zealand team from the onset, exploiting the challenging conditions effectively.
Shoriful Islam delivered the first breakthrough in the third over by dismissing opener Dale Phillips for a duck. Khaled Ahmed then struck twice in his second over, removing Matthew Boyle and Muhammad Abbas, both for ducks. Shoriful further compounded New Zealand's woes by dismissing their skipper Nick Kelly for a duck, reducing them to 13-4 in 6.5 overs.
In the face of Bangladesh's bowling onslaught, opener Rhys Mariu managed to keep the scoreboard ticking, scoring 42 before Tanvir Islam dismissed him, leaving New Zealand at 58-6. Despite the collapse, Dean Foxcroft's aggressive innings of 72 off 64 balls, which included six fours and four sixes, helped New Zealand reach closer to 150.
Foxcroft and Mariu were the only batters to reach double digits for the visitors, with five batters recording ducks in New Zealand's innings.
Bangladesh's chase was initiated briskly by Parvez Hossain Emon, who fell to Kristian Clarke after scoring 24 off 12 balls. Clarke also dismissed Naim Sheikh, who managed 18 runs. Anamul Haque Bijoy and Mahidul Islam Ankon then shared a 55-run partnership, bringing Bangladesh close to victory. Foxcroft broke the stand by dismissing Bijoy for 38, but Ankon (unbeaten on 42) and captain Nurul Hasan Sohan (20 not out) comfortably guided Bangladesh to the win.
The second match of the series is scheduled for Wednesday at the same venue.