Sabbir, Mosaddek keep SL A at bay
Bangladesh A replied strongly through twin centuries from skipper Mosaddek Hossain and Sabbir Rahman as the home side posted 360 for four at the end of the third days' play yesterday. The hosts are still trailing Sri Lanka A by 89 runs, but barring some dramatic cricket today the four-day game seems to be heading for a draw at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong.
Mosaddek hit nine fours and three sixes in his 243-ball 135, but was dismissed in the final session when he was bowled by left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Sabbir remained unbeaten on his career-best first-class score and will resume the fourth day on 144.
Resuming the third day on 44 for two, the second-string Bangladesh side were facing a tough challenge and things only became tougher when the experienced Tushar Imran was trapped leg-before on 25 by a Lakshan Sandakan delivery to leave the home side struggling on 74 for three.
It was then that overnight batsman Mosaddek, who resumed the day on eight, was joined by Sabbir and the pair added 209 runs for the fourth wicket to bring the hosts back into the game.
Since being dropped from the national team despite playing a crucial knock in the Chittagong Test against Sri Lanka in February this year, the right-handed Mosaddek has struck consecutive first-class centuries – the first being an unbeaten ton in the Bangladesh Cricket League earlier this year.
Sabbir struggled early in his innings and at one point the right hander faced 70 balls to score just 15 runs, but later found his rhythm.
The 26-year-old, who is often criticised for his lack of temperament, displayed a great amount of patience in his 257-ball 144 -- which included 13 fours and two sixes -- to register his fourth first class hundred in 48 games. He also went past his previous best score of 136 runs while wicketkeeper-batsman Zakir Hasan also remained unbeaten on 27.
SCORES IN BRIEF
SRI LANKA A: 449 for 8 declared (Thirimanne 168, Asalanka 90; Khaled 4/92)
BANGLADESH A: 360 for 4 in 112 overs (Sabbir 144 not out, Mosaddek 135; Asalanka 1-41)
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