Soumya’s fifty as Bangladesh bowled out for 234

Soumya Sarkar struck a fifty but Bangladesh were bowled out for 234 in their first innings against the United Arab Emirates in a two-day practice match in Sharjah on Sunday.

Bangladesh, preparing for the one-off Test against Afghanistan and the tri-nation ODI series, made 234 in 78.1 overs after opting to bat first. The UAE finished the day on 34 for one in eight overs, trailing by 200 runs.

Regular Test captain Najmul Hossain Shanto missed the match after contracting dengue. In his absence, vice-captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz won the toss and elected to bat.

Soumya and Shadman Islam gave Bangladesh a strong start, putting together a 108-run opening partnership. Soumya reached his fifty early in the second session before retiring out after scoring 57 off 78 balls, including five fours and a six.

Shadman was dismissed for 46, while Mominul Haque scored 33. However, Mushfiqur Rahim, Ali and Mehedi Hasan Miraz failed to make significant contributions as Bangladesh lost wickets regularly.

Naeem Hasan top-scored with 36, helping Bangladesh cross the 200-run mark with support from the lower order. Taijul Islam scored 16 and Khaled Ahmed added 10.

For the UAE, Junaid took three wickets, while Usaid and Haider claimed two each.

The hosts also lost an early wicket in their reply. Khaled Ahmed dismissed opener Luqman for 11 in the fourth over with the score on 24.

At stumps, Bharat was unbeaten on 16 and Aftab on six. The UAE remained 200 runs behind Bangladesh.

Brief scores:

Bangladesh 1st innings: 234 all out in 78.1 overs (Soumya 57, Shadman 46, Naeem 36, Mominul 33; Junaid 3/46, Usaid 2/8, Haider 2/38).

UAE 1st innings: 34/1 in 8 overs (Bharat 16*, Luqman 11, Aftab 6*; Khaled 1/19).