Bangladesh XI batters dominate West Indies in warm-up match

DHAKA, Bangladesh (CMC):

Kalam Siddiki scored a century, while Jishan Alam and Chowdhury Rizwan struck half-centuries as a Bangladesh Cricket Board XI dominated the opening day of their two-day warm-up match against the West Indies yesterday.

Siddiki’s 135 off 184 balls was the highlight as the home side compiled 371 for seven from 90 overs at the Anvir Cricket Stadium after being sent in to bat.

Alam made 86 from 100 balls, while Rizwan contributed a patient 59 off 106 deliveries to ensure that the hosts claimed opening-day honours.

The West Indies made an early breakthrough when pacer Jayden Seales trapped Mahfijul Islam lbw for four.

However, Alam spearheaded a 75-run second-wicket partnership with Iftakhar Ifti as the Bangladesh XI recovered to 80 for one.

Spinner Jomel Warrican claimed the breakthrough when he dismissed Ifti for 18, but Siddiki and Alam added a further 62 runs to keep the home side firmly in control.

After Alam was bowled by left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop with the score on 142 for three, Siddiki stitched together useful partnerships with captain Jaker Ali, who made 30, and Rizwan as Bangladesh advanced to 315 for four.

Siddiki was eventually bowled by off-spinner Kevin Wickham, but Rizwan and Shamim Hossain, who blasted a counter-attacking 35 off just 30 balls with six fours and a six, maintained the momentum.

Kavem Hodge was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with 2-34, while Bishop finished with 2-87.

Both teams agreed to bat 90 overs, meaning that the West Indies will begin their innings this morning.