BCB XI take lead

Shamsur Rahman of BCB XI plays a shot to the off-side against Zimbabwe in Fatullah yesterday. Shamsur scored 69 runs, helping the BCB XI reach 252 for 6 by stumps. Photo: Star

Half-centuries from Shamsur Rahman and Shuvagata Hom, both of whom have been included in the squad for the first Test against Zimbabwe, helped BCB XI take the lead at the end of the second day of the three-day practice match against Zimbabwe in Fatullah yesterday.
The local side finished the day on 252 for 6 in reply to tourists' first innings score of 241.
Shamsur and Rony Talukdar had a 93-run stand for the second wicket to take the BCB side, who had begun the day on 11 for 1, to a formidable position. Shamsur, who was quite hasty during the West Indies series, showed patience in his 158-ball knock. His 69 runs contained nine fours and a six.
At the 50-over mark the hosts seemed to be cruising at 145 for 2. The fall of Shamsur's wicket however led to a mini collapse. Zimbabwean spinner Natsai M'shangwe removed Shamsur, Naeem and Marshall in a span of 12 overs and brought Zimbabwe back into the game for a while.

SCORES IN BRIEF
ZIMBABWE: 241
BCB XI: 252 for 6 (Shamsur 69, Shuvagata 53 not out; M'Shangwe 4-98)