Rain thwarts Bangladesh 'A' as New Zealand 'A' take unofficial Test series
With a 1–0 lead from their win in the first four-day match in Sylhet, New Zealand ‘A’ needed only a draw in Dhaka to claim the series, and they got exactly that.
New Zealand 'A' secured a 1–0 series victory over Bangladesh 'A' after the second unofficial Test in Mirpur ended in a rain-affected draw on 24 May. Despite Bangladesh's strong first innings showing, persistent rain and a slow outfield denied the hosts a chance to level the series.
With a 1–0 lead from their win in the first four-day match in Sylhet, New Zealand 'A' needed only a draw in Dhaka to claim the series, and they got exactly that. The match was called off nearly 90 minutes before scheduled stumps on the final day, with the result already beyond doubt.
Bangladesh 'A', led by Nurul Hasan Sohan, had gone into the second and final Test needing a win to avoid a series defeat. Their efforts, however, were repeatedly hampered by adverse weather throughout the four days. Rain interruptions cost the match close to 100 overs in total, with each day witnessing delays or early finishes.
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The hosts had started brightly. After being put in to bat, openers Naim Sheikh and Anamul Haque Bijoy gave Bangladesh a solid platform. Naim scored a fluent 82 off 94 balls, while Bijoy fell just two runs short of a half-century. At number three, Saif Hassan added 51 runs, helping the team close the opening day at 225 for 4. However, the final session of that day was washed out by rain.
Play on the second day also began late due to a wet outfield and further rainfall, which washed out the entire morning session. When play did resume after lunch, Bangladesh continued positively before a middle and lower order collapse saw them bowled out for 357. Amit Hasan contributed 67 off 110 balls, while skipper Sohan made a quick 48 off 40 deliveries. For New Zealand, Jayden Lennox and Ben Lister each picked up three wickets.
New Zealand replied with 379 in their first innings, gaining a slender lead of 22 runs. Nick Kelly was the standout performer, scoring a composed 103 off 167 balls, including six sixes and seven fours. He was later named Player of the Match. Matthew Boulton supported him with a 58-run knock, adding 123 for the sixth wicket with Kelly. Earlier in the innings, Joe Carter (62) and Curtis Heaphy (71) also notched up half-centuries, frustrating the Bangladeshi bowlers.
Khaled Ahmed, one of the bright spots for the home side, finished with three wickets, including the key scalps of Carter and Del Phillips. Saif Hassan also chipped in with one wicket.
In their second innings, Bangladesh reached 87 for 2 before both sides agreed to end the match early. The mandatory closing time was waived under ICC regulations, as the outcome had become evident.
Earlier in the tour, Bangladesh 'A' had won the three-match unofficial ODI series 2–1, but it was New Zealand who had the final word in the longer format, leaving Dhaka with the Test trophy in hand.
