Rain spoils excitement in emerging teams’ four-day match

Rain spoiled the excitement of the final day's play of the opening four-day match between Bangladesh and South Africa emerging teams as it ended in a draw at the Bir Shreshtha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium in Chattogram on Friday.

Only 35 overs' play was possible on the final day and Bangladesh emerging team, who resumed on five for two in their second innings, reached 83-5 before both teams agreed on a stalemate.

Bangladesh team lost skipper Shahadat Hossain Dipu (two) in the day's first over before Aich Mollah (11) and Ariful Islam's (14) quick dismissals to Tshepo Innocent Ntuli raised the prospect of a dramatic conclusion to the match as the hosts were at that time reeling at 41 for five.

However, Pritom Kumar (21 off 77 balls) and Moin Khan (18 off 44 balls) batted sensibly after the tea break and set up an unbroken stand of 42 runs for the sixth wicket to ensure no further causality.

South Africa earlier made 243 runs in their first innings, in reply to Bangladesh's 308.

Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan was named player of the match for his seven-wicket haul in the first innings. 

The second four-day match will start on May 27 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.