Tamim-Mushy among runs, Fizz wicket-less in warm-up game

Tamim Iqbal's blistering 58-ball 80 along with Mushfiqur Rahim's 55-ball 64, guided BCB Red to a five wicket victory against Mahmudullah Riyad-led BCB Green in the inter-squad practice match at BKSP today as Tigers geared up for the upcoming three-match ODI series slated to begin on May 23. 

Chasing 285 for victory, Tamim's 80, laced with seven fours and four sixes ensured that BCB Red coasted home with four overs to spare in the 45-over-a-side warmup fixture. Mahmudullah bagged two wickets for 29 runs in five overs while Shakib Al Hasan and leg-spinner Aminul Islam bagged one each for BCB Green.

Earlier, Mustafizur Rahman, who feared that the continuous bubble-life and resultant lack of practice might affect his performance in the Tigers' upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka starting from May 23, was unable to pick up a wicket.

The 25-year-old's fears may have gotten the better of him already as, despite an impressive start with the ball, Mustafizur remained expensive and wicketless during Bangladesh's warm-up game at the BKSP today. Mustafizur, who played for BCB Red, conceded 48 runs in seven overs.

Mustafizur last played in a T20 for Rajasthan Royals against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 2 before the Indian Premier League (IPL) was postponed due to escalation in Covid-19 cases in India. Since then, Mustafizur spent 17 days in isolation (five days in India before returning to the country and a further 12-day room quarantine after arrival to the country) and only had one practice session in 25 days. 

Mustafizur, who had an impressive outing with Rajasthan in his first season for the franchise, lacked confidence due to the strenuous and prolonged bubble-life. 

However, Shakib, who returned to the country along with Mustafizur on May 6 following an IPL stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, had comparatively a decent time with the bat in today's practice game. The left-hander scored 28 off 20 deliveries before falling prey to Mahedi Hasan. 

Unbeaten fifties from Soumya Sarkar (60 off 70), Mahmudullah Riyad (62 off 54) and Afif Hossain (64 off 54) saw the BCB Green post 284 for three in 45 overs in today's practice game.