New Zealand A hold edge despite Sohans century

New Zealand A hold edge despite Sohans century

Despite a rapid century of skipper Nurul Hasan Sohan, Bangladesh A failed to take upper-hand over visiting New Zealand A on Day 2 of the two-match four-day series opening game at Rajshahi Stadium today. Sohan battled lonely for Bangladesh A to hammer an 88 ball-107, guiding the side to 249-8 at stumps. Bangladesh A are still trailing by 7 runs as New Zealand A were bowled out for 256 in its first innings, earlier on Day 2. Most of the Bangladeshi batters got the start but apart from Sohan, none of them could carry it. Pacer Josh Clarkson claimed 4-44 to rip through Bangladesh A top order as New Zealand fought back in style. Christian Clarke, who took 2-76, gave the side first breakthrough with the wicket of Anamul Haque Bijoy after he made 24. His fellow opener Zakir Hasan scored 12 before falling to Muhammad Abbas. Clarkson then appeared in the stage, removing Amite Hasan (25) and Mahmul Hasan Joy (18), leaving Bangladesh A at 81-4. Sohan resisted with Mahidul Islam Ankon and dominated the partnership by counterattacking the New Zealand A bowlers. They added 132 runs for the fifth wicket with Sohan alone making 105 runs in the partnership. However, Clarkson broke the partnership by dismissing Ankon for 25 and in next over, Sohan fell to Clarke, playing one shot too many. New Zealand A bowlers then regrouped well to take two more wickets before Hasan Murad resisted to help the side see off the day. Murad was batting on 13 with Ebadot Hossain on 1 when the bails were drawn for Day 2. Earlier, resuming the day at 226-7, New Zealand A were able to add just 30 runs before being all out for 256. Pacer Syed Khaled Ahmed who took four wickets on Day 1, added two more to finish on 6-59. Anamul Haque took 3-32.