Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudul Hasan Joy both hit fifties in the two-day practice match against New Zealand XI at Mount Maunganui today, but the match ended in a draw.
Bangladesh achieved 269-8 at stumps after New Zealand XI declared their innings at 146-7. Mushfiqur and Joy both hit identical 66s.
But, while Joy made the most of his opportunity, Shadman Islam, his opening partner, was out for the count. Najmul Hossain Shanto, who batted third, scored 27 runs.
Mominul Haque, the captain, struggled to warm up after scoring only nine points. In the midst of the top-order wobble, Joy, who smashed 11 boundaries in his 131-ball 66, held the fort.
Before Joy was removed, he and Mushfiqur shared 44 runs. Mushfiqur added another 74 runs for the fifth wicket with Liton Das. Liton made 41 runs off 68 balls, including seven fours.
Mushfiqur, on the other hand, smashed seven fours and one six for a 66 off 91. Yasir Ali finished with a score of 21, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished with a score of 20.
Miraz previously took 2-14 to go with pacers Abu Jayed Rahi and Taskin Ahmed, who tormented the local hitters. Rahi concluded with 3-36, while Taskin finished with overnight 2-26 despite not bowling on the last day.
New Zealand XI’s best scorer was Jakob Bhula, who had 57 points, while Ma’ara Ave had 33.
The first Test between Bangladesh and New Zealand will begin on January 1 in Mount Manganui. The second Test will be held in Christchurch, New Zealand, from January 9 to 13.
