Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 344/5 against New Zealand ‘A’ in the second unofficial ODI of the three-match series, thanks to scintillating centuries from Nurul Hasan Sohan and Mahidul Islam Ankon. A victory here would secure an unassailable series lead for the hosts with one game remaining.
After being sent in to bat at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, Bangladesh suffered an early blow as opener Parvez Hossain Emon fell for just 12 runs (8 off 10 balls). However, Enamul Haque Bijoy (39 off 34) and Mohammad Naim (40 off 41) steadied the innings with a 73-run partnership before both departed in quick succession.
The match turned decisively in Bangladesh’s favor thanks to a record-breaking 225-run stand between Sohan and Ankon for the fourth wicket. Sohan smashed a fiery 112 off 101 balls, including 7 fours and 7 sixes, before departing in the 44th over. Ankon followed suit with a composed 105 off 108 balls (7 fours, 5 sixes), falling in the final over. Mosaddek Hossain Saikat provided a late flourish, remaining unbeaten on 13* off 10* as Bangladesh finished with a mammoth total.