Saif justifies selection with unbeaten ton in practice match

After his recent struggles in the 50-over format, opener Saif Hassan showed signs of a return to form with a brilliant century during a practice match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Monday.

Saif, who managed just 52 runs in three innings against Pakistan in March, struck an unbeaten 138 off 133 balls, featuring six fours and eight sixes for Team ‘A’, justifying his selection for the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, starting April 17.

The right-handed opener was the standout performer for his team with Afif Hossain and Tanzim Hasan Sakib being the next highest scorers with 34 and 27 runs respectively as Team ‘A’ posted 292 for seven in their 50 overs after being sent in to bat.

Saif’s opening partner Tanzid Hasan Tamim, who returned from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) earlier this week without featuring in a match, failed to impress, scoring just seven. Najmul Hossain Shanto and Litton Das also struggled, making 12 and nine respectively.

Ebadot Hossain and Mosaddek Hossain claimed two wickets each.

In reply, Team ‘B’ were bundled out for 164 in 36.3 overs, suffering a heavy 128-run defeat. Like Saif, Soumya Sarkar was the lone bright spot, scoring 55 off 85 balls, while Shamim Hossain added 31. The rest of the batting line-up failed to offer resistance.

Taskin Ahmed starred with the ball, returning figures of 4-27 in six overs, while skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Tanzim took two wickets apiece.

Team ‘A’ largely comprised of first-choice players for the upcoming New Zealand series, while Team ‘B’ featured fringe and discarded national players.

The New Zealand team arrived in Dhaka earlier on Monday for the ODI series, which will be followed by a three-match T20I series.

After a rest day on Tuesday, both sides will hold two training sessions ahead of the opening match in Mirpur.

The second ODI will also be held at the same venue on April 20, while the third and final match is scheduled at the Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium on April 23.