Bangladesh’s Batting Struggles in Warm-Up Match Against Pakistan ‘A’
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Bangladesh’s batting lineup faltered in a warm-up match against Pakistan ‘A’ in Dubai. The team was bowled out for just 202 runs in 38.2 overs, with no batter managing to score a fifty.
Reality Check for Bangladesh
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto had confidently stated that Bangladesh’s goal was to win the Champions Trophy. However, their performance in this practice game served as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead. Shanto and his team couldn’t even bat for the full 40 overs.
Batting first in the only warm-up match before the tournament, Bangladesh struggled against Pakistan Shaheens (Pakistan ‘A’). Despite some promising starts, they couldn’t build a solid innings.
Miraz Top Scores, But No Fifties for Bangladesh
Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 44 runs, batting at number four—hinting at a possible middle-order role in the main tournament. No other batter could reach a half-century, highlighting Bangladesh’s struggles with consistency.
Spin Troubles Bangladesh Yet Again
Pakistan’s spinners proved to be a nightmare for Bangladesh. Leg-spinner Usama Mir picked up four wickets, while left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyan Muqeem and off-spinner Mubasir Khan chipped in with one each. Usama, who has played 12 ODIs for Pakistan, was particularly lethal.
Bangladesh’s Batting Collapses After a Decent Start
Bangladesh began their innings under the floodlights of Dubai International Stadium after winning the toss. The first blow came in the very first over when opener Tanzid Hasan fell after scoring just six runs.
Soumya Sarkar and Najmul Hossain Shanto tried to stabilize the innings, bringing up the team’s fifty by the eighth over. However, Shanto was dismissed for 12 off 21 balls, and soon after, Soumya was run out for 35 off 38 deliveries.
With Bangladesh at 63/3, Miraz and Towhid Hridoy stitched together the only 50+ partnership of the innings, adding 56 runs. However, Usama Mir’s brilliant spell dismantled the middle order, breaking Bangladesh’s backbone.
Hridoy departed for 20 off 33 balls, followed by Mushfiqur Rahim (7 off 14), Miraz (44 off 53), and Zakir Ali (4 off 5). Losing four wickets for just 18 runs, Bangladesh’s hopes of posting a big total faded.
Lower Order Pushes Bangladesh Past 200
Late contributions from the tailenders helped Bangladesh cross the 200-run mark. Tanjim Hasan played a fighting knock of 30 off 27 balls, while Rishad Hossain (14) and Nasum Ahmed (15) also chipped in.
Brief Scorecard:
Bangladesh: 202 all out in 38.2 overs (Tanzid 6, Soumya 35, Shanto 12, Miraz 44, Hridoy 20, Mushfiq 7, Zakir 4, Rishad 14, Tanjim 30, Nasum 15, Taskin 4*; Usama Mir 4/43, Mubasir Khan 2/42, Sufiyan Muqeem 1/32).
With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, Bangladesh will need to address their batting vulnerabilities quickly if they are to make a strong impact in the tournament.
