Batting bust, bowling boost as Tigers draw UAE practice match

Bangladesh’s batting suffered a collpase as they were bundled out for a paltry 234 in their first innings, but a strong response from the bowlers saw their two-day practice match against the UAE end in an expected draw at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Monday.

After the Tigers' batting order faltered on Day 1 -- with Soumya Sarkar top-scoring through an unbeaten 57 -- the bowling unit quickly made amends. Pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon spearheaded the fightback, bagging four wickets for just 30 runs in six overs as the UAE were bowled out for 222.

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Spinner Taijul Islam also got in on the act, claiming three for 58, while pacers Ebadot Hossain and Khaled Ahmed picked up a wicket each to keep the hosts in check. Muhammad Waseem was the only UAE batter to offer sustained resistance, top-scoring with a brisk 69 off 76 balls.

Armed with a narrow 12-run lead, Bangladesh reached 114 for three in their second innings before the close of play on the second day. With Soumya having already spent quality time in the middle during the first innings, Mominul Haque and Shadman Islam were sent up to open. Mominul was eventually run out for 24, while Shadman retired after a steady 32.

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Bangladesh bundled out for 234 after 108-run opening stand in UAE practice match

Veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who was dismissed for a cheap four runs in the first innings, found some much-needed rhythm the second time around. He scored a fluent 44 off 53 balls before falling as the last wicket of the day, leaving Jaker Ali unbeaten on 11.

The Tigers will now travel to Abu Dhabi, where the contingent of players returning from the Asian Games in Japan will join the Test squad on Tuesday. Bangladesh are scheduled to hold practice sessions on September 7 and 8 before taking on Afghanistan in a lone Test starting on Friday, September 9.