At the close of Day Two in the second four-day match against Pakistan Shaheens, Bangladesh A reached 84 for 3, leading by 163 runs at the DXC Arena in Darwin.
Bangladesh A aimed to capitalize on their 79-run first-innings advantage. Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy, unbeaten on 39, and Amite Hasan, who scored 25, forged a significant 57-run partnership for the second wicket. However, Faisal Akram broke this stand by trapping Amite leg-before in the 24th over. Khurram Shahzad then quickly followed up by dismissing Hasan Murad for a duck, causing Bangladesh A to stumble late in the day. Aich Mollah, not out on 8, joined Mahmudul at the crease as they prepared to resume their innings on the third day.
Earlier, Pakistan Shaheens struggled to build a substantial total, adding just 140 runs to their overnight score of 39 for 2 before being bowled out for 179 in 67.2 overs. Omair Bin Yousuf was the first casualty of the day, falling to Rejaur Rehman Raja for seven. The nightwatchman Mohammad Ali and Umar Amin managed a 30-run stand, which was quickly dismantled, leaving the Shaheens at 69 for 5.
In response, Tayyab Tahir (30) and Kamran Ghulam (48) mounted a resistance, putting together a 78-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Kamran’s knock, which included eight boundaries and a six, was the highlight of the Shaheens’ innings. However, Bangladesh A’s bowlers struck back decisively, dismissing Kamran, Muhammad Irfan Khan (9), and Tayyab in quick succession. Khurram Shahzad’s brief resistance, scoring 16 off 35 balls, was also short-lived as Shaheens were bowled out for 179.
Ripon Mondol was the standout bowler for Bangladesh A, claiming 4 for 71. Rejaur Rehman Raja took three wickets, while Hasan Murad and Maruf Mridha chipped in with two and one wickets, respectively.
Bangladesh A lead by 163 runs
Bangladesh A (first innings): 258 all out in 67.3 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 69, Aich Mollah 55, Mahidul Islam Ankon 31, Parvez Hossain Emon 30; Khurram Shahzad 3-69, Kamran Ghulam 2-6, Kashif Ali 2-21, Faisal Akram 2-87)
Pakistan Shaheens (first innings): 179 all out in 67.2 overs (Kamran Ghulam 48, Tayyab Tahir 30, Umar Amin 25; Ripon Mondol 4-71, Rejaur Rehman Raja 3-33, Hasan Murad 2-32)
Bangladesh A (second innings): 84-3 in 27 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 39 not out, Amite Hasan 25; Khurram Shahzad 2-30, Faisal Akram 1-9)
As the match progresses, Bangladesh A will look to extend their lead and put the Shaheens under pressure on Day Three.
