After facing difficulties in the 50-over matches recently, Saif Hassan demonstrated a resurgence in form by scoring a remarkable century in a practice game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday. Saif, who struggled with only 52 runs in three innings against Pakistan last month, impressively scored an unbeaten 138 off 133 deliveries, including six boundaries and eight maximums for Team ‘A’. This performance solidified his spot in the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, commencing on April 17.
The right-handed opener stood out for his team, with Afif Hossain and Tanzim Hasan Sakib contributing 34 and 27 runs, respectively, as Team ‘A’ posted a total of 292 for seven in their allotted 50 overs after being put in to bat. Saif’s opening partner, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who returned from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) without playing a match, struggled to make an impact, scoring only seven runs. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das also had a tough time, managing 12 and nine runs, respectively.
Bowlers Ebadot Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain took two wickets each during Team ‘B’s innings as they were dismissed for 164 in 36.3 overs, suffering a heavy defeat by 128 runs. Soumya Sarkar shone with the bat for Team ‘B’, scoring 55 off 85 balls, while Shamim Hossain contributed 31 runs. Taskin Ahmed excelled with the ball, picking up four wickets for 27 runs in six overs, supported by skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanzim, who claimed two wickets each.
Team ‘A’ mainly consisted of key players for the upcoming New Zealand series, while Team ‘B’ included fringe and discarded national players. The New Zealand team arrived in Dhaka earlier on Monday for the ODI series, followed by a three-match T20I series. After a break day on Tuesday, both teams will engage in two training sessions before the first match in Mirpur. The second ODI is scheduled for April 20 at the same venue, with the final match planned at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium on April 23.