Mahmudullah XI restricted to 196 all-out on cricket's return

Najmul XI bowlers dominated proceeding at Mirpur as Mahmudullah XI were restricted to 196 all-out in the first match of the BCB President's Cup as competitive cricket returned to Bangladesh after seven months at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.

Pacers Taskin Ahmed, Al Amin Hossain and Mukidul Islam Mugdho found their mark, bagging two wickets each. After Naim Sheikh's early departure through a run out, Taskin removed Liton Das (13) while Mominul Haque fell for naught to Al Amin.

Skipper Mahmudullah, together with Imrul Kayes solidified the innings with the latter hitting 41. Spinner Nayeem bagged the wicket of Imrul before the lower middle order failed to click alongside Mahmudullah, who eventually fell after scoring a team-high 51. Sabbir Rahman hit a promising 22 off 25 before falling to a fantastic catch by Mugdho off his own bowling.

Rubel Hossain was the final wicket to fall as the Mahmudullah XI innings was wrapped up for 196 all-out.

Earlier, rain forced an early break only three overs into the game, with the batting side on 17 for no loss. But the innings lost way soon after restart with three quick wickets before veterans Mahmudullah and Kayes steadied the ship.

Cricketers from the national team, high performance team and members of the 2019 ICC Under-19 World Cup-winning side have been divided into three teams, with Tamim XI the third team.

All seven matches of this three-team tournament will be day-night affairs. The final will be held on October 23