Bangladesh’s practice match against the West Indies Select XI in Coolidge ended in a draw due to rain, but the visitors had a productive outing. Despite a four-and-a-half-hour delay on the second day, Bangladesh’s bowlers reduced the hosts to 87 for 9, with rookie left-arm spinner Hasan Murad claiming a hat-trick.
Murad’s hat-trick, which included the wickets of Daniel Beckford, Navin Bidaisee, and Chaim Holder, came in the 28th over, prompting Bangladesh coach Phil Simmons to end the match. Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud also took two wickets each, while Shoriful Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with one apiece.
Earlier, Bangladesh had batted for 73.2 overs on the first day, declaring on 253 for 7. Jaker Ali and Mahidul Islam retired on 48 and 41, respectively, while Litton Das, who missed the second Test against South Africa due to fever, retired on 31. Mominul Haque, Bangladesh’s most experienced cricketer on tour, also made 31.
However, Bangladesh’s concerns remain with opening batters Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan, who both got out cheaply. For the West Indies Select XI, Jair McAllister and Holder took two wickets each, while Kimani Melius top-scored with 23.
Despite the rain interruption, Bangladesh’s bowlers had a moderate workout, and the team will be looking to build on this performance in the upcoming Test series against the West Indies, which starts in Antigua on Friday.
