Sylhet: Mahidul Islam Ankon and captain Nurul Hasan Sohan struck centuries as Bangladesh A secured the three-match unofficial ODI series against New Zealand A, defeating the visitors by 87 runs in the second match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh A team, composed largely of national players, had already set the tone by winning the first match by seven wickets against a youthful New Zealand side. In the second match, Sohan delivered a remarkable performance with a 101-ball 112, featuring seven fours and as many sixes, while Ankon contributed 105 off 108 balls, hitting seven fours and five sixes. Together, they established a record 225-run partnership for the fourth wicket, leading Bangladesh A to a formidable total of 344-5.
Despite losing opener Parvez Hossain Emon early for just 8 runs, the team regained stability with a 73-run partnership between Naim Sheikh, who scored 40, and Anamul Haque Bijoy, who added 39, setting a solid foundation for
the innings.
In response, New Zealand A struggled under the pressure of the massive target and were eventually all out for 257 in 43.1 overs. Opener Dale Phillips was the top scorer for the visitors with a quick 54-ball 79, including 14 fours and two sixes, while Kristian Clarke remained unbeaten on 39. Bangladesh’s Mosaddek Hossain Saikat took 3-50, with Shoriful Islam, Tanvir Islam, and Shamim Patwari each claiming two wickets.
The third and final one-day match between the sides is scheduled for Saturday.