Competitive action returned to Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium after a long hiatus due to the novel coronavirus outbreak as the national team players divided themselves into two teams – Ryan Cook XI and Ottis Gibson XI – for the opening day’s play of the first two-day practice match Friday.
Gibson XI batted first and were all out for 230 in 63.4 overs amid overcast conditions throughout the day, riding on half-centuries from opener Saif Hasan (64) and middle-order batsman Soumya Sarkar (51).
Opener Imrul Kayes (seven) departed early, while Liton Kumar, who batted at No 5, was also out for the same score.
One drop batsman Nazmul Hossain Shanto and all-rounder Mahmudullah chipped in with 42 and 34 respectively.
Mosaddek Hossain, the last recognized Gibson XI batsman at No 7, was dismissed for 13.
Cook XI pacer Taskin Ahmed and left-arm spinner Taijul Islam bagged three wickets apiece conceding 45 and 70 runs respectively.
The second and final two-dayer begins Monday, before which the players, among others, are scheduled to give samples for Covid-19 testing Saturday.
The cricketers will also play a three-day practice game between themselves.
