The touring Bangladesh Cricket Team wrapped up a successful Intra-Squad warm-up match in Katunayake yesterday, as they began their preparations for next week’s Test series against Sri Lanka.
After their batsmen had piled up 314 for six on the opening day, the Bangladesh bowlers got their act together well with a pleasing performance on day two.
Left-arm seamer Taijul Islam was the most impressive as he captured three wickets for 38 during a controlled spell of bowling under hot and humid conditions.
The 29-year-old fast bowler is one of the main weapons in the Bangladesh bowling armoury as he looks to continue the same form which he displayed during the recent home series against the West Indies.
In fact, Bangladesh Skipper Mominul Haque has already revealed that a strong fast bowling unity will be the key to their success in the two-Test series.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) has also backed their decision and have named three uncapped fast bowlers in the 21-member squad, which could make a big difference during the series.
Apart from Taijul, right-arm off-spinner Mehidy Hasan also grabbed the opportunity to impress as he ended with figures of three for 41 as Bangladesh ‘Green’ were dismissed for 225.
Among the Bangladesh batsmen, wicket-keeper Liton Das had a good outing as he went on to complete a fine half-century while Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 47.
The first Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka begins on April 21 while the second Test starts on April 29 with both matches at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy.
Chief scores
Bangladesh Red: 314/6 decl (Tamim Iqbal 63, Najmul Hossain 53, Saif Hassan 52, Mushfiqur Rahim 66, Nurul Hasan 48)
Bangladesh Green: 225 (Liton Das 64, Mominul Haque 47 n.o, Mohammad Mithun 28, Shohidul Islam 20 n.o, Taijul Islam 3/38, Mehidy Hasan 3/41).
