An abject performance by Bangladesh set the alarm bells ringing ahead of the Champions Trophy as the full-strength Tigers suffered a thumping seven-wicket loss to second-string Pakistan Shaheens in Monday’s warm-up match in Dubai.
The men in red and green will face tournament favorites India in their opening clash this Thursday in the United Arab Emirates but they did not have the best of preparations leading upto the game.
Batting first, Bangladesh were dismissed for only 202 in 38.2 overs as none of the batters scored at least a half-century with Mehedi Hasan Miraz at No 4 making the highest 44.
Opener Soumya Sarkar scored 35 while Tanzim Hasan Sakib chipped in with 30 but the likes of Tanzid Hasan (six), Nazmul Hossain Shanto (12), Mushfiqur Rahim (seven) and Jaker Ali Anik (four) were all disappointing, alongside Towhid Hridoy who faced 83 balls for his 19.
Leg-spinner Usama Mir led the way for Pakistan Shaheens with 4/43 while Muhammad Musa finished with 2/42.
In reply, Mohammad Haris’ side were initially in a spot of bother at 69/3 but the captain (76 retired hurt) and Mubasir Khan (63 not out) then posted fifties to take their team home in just 34.5 overs without further trouble.
Miraz, Nahid Rana and Tanzim all bagged a wicket each while Nasum Ahmed (9.6 Economy rate) and Soumya (8.5) proved to be the most expensive.
