The lone three-day tour game for the Zimbabweans ended in a draw at the Fatullah stadium yesterday. BCB XI, despite being in an advantageous position at the start of the day, could only manage a 56-run first innings lead with Shuvagata Hom scoring a patient 75.
The Zimbabweans later batted for 50 overs and scored 201 for five before the match was called off as a draw. The visitors shuffled their opening pair and sent in Sikander Raza alongside Vusi Sibanda as the combination finally clicked. The pair added 68 before Sibanda (22) was cleaned up an inswinger from pacer Dewan Sabbir.
The dismissal triggered a mini collapse as the set Raza (45) and incoming batsman Brian Chari (zero) were returned with the score on 72 allowing the home side to get back in the game. However, BCB XI skipper Naeem Islam, after an attacking first session, took his regular bowlers off allowing Craig Ervine and Hamilton Masakadza pull their side out of danger with an 89-run fourth wicket stand.
Asif Ahmed, Sadman Islam, Rony Talukder, Marshal Ayub and even wicket-keeper Jashimuddin were used for the last 30 overs as left-handed Ervine remained unbeaten on 85 while Masakadza made 31.
Earlier, BCB XI resumed the ultimate day on 252 for six and managed to gather 49 more runs before getting all out on 297. Overnight batsman Shuvagata showed immense temperament in his 176-ball innings and was unlucky to run out of partners in the end. He struck seven boundaries in his unbeaten knock.
The two Zimbabwean leg spinners Natsai M’Shangwe and Tafadzwa Kamungozi were the pick of the bowlers picking four and three wickets respectively.
Shuvagata, who will turn 28 years old in three weeks time, expressed confidence after playing the innings and urged his national teammates for a calm approach during batting in the Test matches.
“Obviously this innings ahead of the Test will certainly boost my confidence and it will help me in the Test match,” said Shuvagata. “I think we should bat with patience and bat according to the situation of the match.”
Shuvagata played just one Test match where he made 16 and zero against West Indies. He also offers handy off-spin bowling to his captain and he looks forward to contribute with the ball too. He believes the wickets here are not bouncy like in West Indies and they will have the advantage over their opponents.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe skipper Brendan Taylor was satisfied with their batting effort in the second innings and said, “The batting (in the second innings) was better. It will help us ahead of the first Test.”
The wicketkeeper-batsman also shed light on the young spinners in his side and said, “We know Bangladesh plays spin good and they are strong at home. But I believe most of us have played them in the past and though the most spinners we have are young and inexperienced I still believe they will perform.”
