The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

BCB XI registered a sensational tie with visiting South Africa in their one-dayer warm-up match at the Chittagong Bir Sreshtha Shaheed Ruhul Amin Stadium on Friday.

Batting first, BCB XI posted a fighting 243 for the loss of seven wickets in the stipulated 50 overs and then the youngsters restricted South Africa to 243 for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs.

Opener Tamim Iqbal hit a modest 30 facing 40 deliveries including five fours and a six.

Bangladesh lost their early three wickets for 61 runs. Later, Rafiqul Hassan and Shakib Al Hasan repaired the damage adding together 58 runs in the fourth-wicket stand before Shakib was caught by Andre Nel off Johan Botha when the team's total was 119 for the loss of four wickets. Shakib notched up a brilliant 32 of 41 balls amid four fours.

After dismissal of Shakib, Raqibul Hasan's innings was short-lived. He was unfortunately run out by JP Doming making 33 from 50 deliveries.

Number Eight batsman Mahmudullah Riyad was remained undefeated with his team's highest of 37. He played 33 deliveries which knock was studded with two fours and a six.

Besides, Naeem Islam, wicketkeeper-batsman Dhiman Ghosh, Farhad Reza and Nazim Uddin added 30, 20, 20 (not out) and 18 runs respectively to the BCB XI total.

Paul Harris of South Africa bagged a pair of wickets giving away 30 runs.

Dale Steyn, Andre Nel, Morne Morkel, John Botha took one wicket apiece.

Later, skipper graeme Smith notched up the day's highest of 70. He struck nine fours and a six in his 82-ball innings.

Albi Morkel was the other successful batsman for South Africa. He hit a fine 57 using 53 balls with three sixes and two fours.

Besides, John Botha and JP Duminy added 34 and 25 to the visitors total.

Mosharrof Hossain Rubel shone with the cherry claiming three wickets in the space of 19 runs while Rubel Hossain chipped in with two wickets in lieu of 21 runs.

Besides, Naeem Islam and Syed Rasel scalped one each for 38 and 46 runs respectively.