Agency :
Despite clinching the three-match ODI series 2-1, Bangladesh A fell short in the opening four-day match against New Zealand A, losing by 70 runs in a dramatic finish at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
The home side collapsed in the final three overs of Day 4, losing three wickets and failing to survive till stumps.
Mahidul Islam Ankon remained stranded at one end, while left-arm spinner Hasan Murad battled resiliently at the other with a 41-ball 7, aiming to steer the match to a draw, especially with the threat of rain looming.
However, once Murad was dismissed, Bangladesh A quickly unraveled. Injured batter Anamul Haque Bijoy, who had missed his top-order role due to injury, came in at the fall of the ninth wicket but was dismissed after facing just two balls.
Ebadot Hossain fell on the very next delivery, and Khaled Ahmed’s dismissal sealed the fate of the hosts.
Earlier, Bangladesh A had a promising start after opting to bowl first, bundling out New Zealand A for 256 in their first innings. Mitchell Hay top-scored for the visitors with 81, while Khaled Ahmed starred with the ball, picking up six wickets.
