The two teams will now compete in a four-day affair beginning from today at the same venue Karachi National Stadium.

Hossain, who was left in the wilderness after playing against India in Bangladesh's inaugural Test in November, 2000, celebrated his return to the national colours by top-scoring with 78 as the visitors made fighting 217 for seven wickets in the stipulated 50 overs. The right-hander from Narayanganj struck five fours and two sixes in his 135-ball innings before getting run out.

Test opener Hannan Sarker made 34 as the openers gave the A side a solid start.

But the middle-order failed to fire. New find Rajin Saleh scored 5 while the talented Mohammad Ashraful could make just 9. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Salim (33) and skipper Mushfiqur Rahman (29 not out) ensured that the A side passed 200.

Salim faced just 25 deliveries with three hits to the fence while skipper Mushfiqur Rahman was unbeaten with run-a-ball 29.

When they bowled, off-spinner Jamal Babu and his fellow part-time spinner Saleh equally shared six wickets as the A team bundled out the home team for 182.

Jamal finished his ten-over quota for 3-33 and Rajin conceded 23 runs in 5 overs.

Fast bowler Anwar Hossain Munir took two for 31 from 8 overs.