Aleen's century, Jishan's 86 power BCB XI to 371/7 against West Indies

Bangladesh's emerging cricketers made an encouraging impression against the West Indies, with Kalam Siddiki Aleen striking a century and Jishan Alam scoring 86 as the BCB XI finished the opening day of their warm-up match on 371 for seven in 90 overs at Bashundhara Sports City Cricket Ground in Dhaka on Thursday.

Aleen top-scored with 135 off 184 balls, while Jishan provided the early impetus with an aggressive 86 from 100 deliveries, including 11 fours and two sixes. Their contributions laid the foundation for a substantial total against the visiting Test side.

The West Indies won the toss and elected to field, but Bangladesh's young batters recovered from an early setback to build a competitive innings.

Opener Mahfijul Islam Robin fell for four, and Iftakhar Hossain Ifti made 18 before departing, leaving the hosts needing a partnership to stabilise their innings. Jishan and Aleen supplied that resistance, helping Bangladesh recover before the opener was dismissed by Joshua Bishop.

Captain Jaker Ali contributed 30 off 48 balls, sharing a useful stand with Aleen. Jaker's dismissal brought Chowdhury Mohammad Rizwan to the crease, and he added 59 off 106 deliveries to strengthen the hosts' position.

Aleen continued to anchor the innings, reaching three figures before eventually falling for 135. His knock featured 16 fours and provided the backbone of the BCB XI's total.

Mohammad Shamim Hossain added late impetus with a brisk 35 off 30 balls, helping the hosts push beyond 350. Abdul Halim was unbeaten on nought when play ended.

Joshua Bishop was the West Indies' most successful bowler, taking two wickets, while Jayden Seales and Jomel Warrican claimed one apiece.

The two-day fixture offers the tourists valuable preparation ahead of the Test series, which begins in Dhaka on October 28. For the BCB XI, the opening day provided a platform for several domestic performers to test themselves against international opposition.

Aleen's century and Jishan's fluent innings were the standout contributions, while the support from Jaker, Rizwan and Shamim ensured the hosts finished the day firmly in control of their batting effort.