An all-round performance from Mehrab Hossain Jr-- an unbeaten 132 runs and a three-wicket haul-- helped touring Bangladesh team to a thumping 120-run victory against Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI in the 5th practice match at the Gardens Oval in Darwin, Australia, Wednesday, reports UNB.
This emphatic victory comes as a relief for Bangladesh after their frustrating show in the four warm-up matches against Australian Institute of Sports (AIS). Bangladesh national team has conceded three defeats against one win.
Going to bat first in today's match, Bangladesh posted a mammoth 305 for 4 in the stipulated 50 overs after riding on a spectacular century by Mehrab along with two slick fifties from opener Tamim Iqbal and captain Mohammad Ashraful.
The tourists lost left-handed Junaid Siddiqui early for 1 at the team total of 13 before Tamim Iqbal and Mehrab added 84 for the second wicket.
Tamim hit eight fours and a six before falling to the left-arm spin of Mark Hatton for 57 off 75 balls. Skipper Mohammad Ashraful then joined Mehrab and the pair crafted a match-winning stand of 158 in the 3rd wicket before Ashraful fell to Trent Kelly, the right-arm seamer.
The ace batsman's 80 came off 77 balls with ten fours and a six. Then Mehrab carried on till the 50th over to make an unbeaten 132 off 129 balls with 16 fours and three sixes. Alok Kapali 14 and Mashrafe Bin Mortaza not out 2 brought the team total to over 305.
Hodgson bagged two wickets for 66 runs in 10 overs for the hosts.
In reply, Mehrab was also impressive with the ball along with leg spinner Alok Kapali to wrap up the Northern Territory innings for 185 in 38.2 overs.
The only resistance came in the form of an 85-run stand for the sixth wicket between Stuart Johnstone and Shane McDermott but it was a little too late. McDermott played the innings highest 61 off 48 balls but found little support from the rest. Johnstone and Lavers came up with some mediocre scores of 33 and 31.
Mehrab picked 3 wickets for 31 runs with his left-arm spin while Alok Kapali backed him up with another three wickets to bundle out Northern Territory in the 39th over.
Bangladesh will play the first ODI against Australia on Aug 30 (Saturday) at the TIO Stadium at Darwin. The second ODI will be held on September 3 and the third on September 6.
