Batting wobbles temper Bangladesh's UAE warm-up draw

Bangladesh drew their two-day warm-up match against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai on Monday, but their inconsistent batting offered a reminder of the challenges awaiting them in the upcoming one-off Test against Afghanistan.

After being bowled out for 234 in their first innings, Bangladesh restricted the UAE to 222 before reaching 114 for three in their second innings at the ICC Academy Oval. The match ended in a draw, leaving Bangladesh with an overall lead of 126 runs.

The visitors made a promising start on Sunday through a 108-run opening partnership between Soumya Sarkar and Shadman Islam. Soumya retired after scoring 57 off 92 balls, while Shadman made 46 from 95 deliveries.

Mominul Haque added 33, and Nayeem Hasan contributed 36 from 75 balls. However, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals after the opening stand and failed to turn their strong start into a substantial total.

UAE pacer Junaid Siddiqui was the most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 46 runs.

Bangladesh's bowlers responded more effectively. The hosts were dismissed for 222 in 53.5 overs, with Muhammad Wasim scoring 69 and Aftab Alam adding 56.

Pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon led the attack with four wickets for 30 runs in six overs, while left-arm spinner Taijul Islam claimed three for 58. Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan took one wicket each.

With a 12-run first-innings advantage, Bangladesh batted again and reached 114 for three before the scheduled close. Mushfiqur Rahim scored a fluent 44 off 53 balls, while Shadman made 32 and Mominul contributed 24. Jaker Ali remained unbeaten on 11.

The practice match provided valuable time in the middle for several batters and an encouraging return from the bowling unit. Bangladesh will now turn their attention to the one-off Test against Afghanistan, scheduled to begin in Abu Dhabi on October 9.