Online Reporter
Zimbabwe ‘A’ were left to settle for a draw in the second and final four-day match against Bangladesh Emerging in Sylhet on Saturday after rain interrupted the final session, bringing an early end to a contest the tourists had controlled for long periods.
Bangladesh Emerging began the final day on 200 for eight, still trailing by 157 runs and requiring seven more to avoid the follow-on.
Zimbabwe ‘A’ needed just 10 balls in the morning to finish the innings, with Ernest Masuku trapping Nayeem Ahmed lbw for five before Vincent Masekesa had Anamul Haque caught by Tinotenda Maposa for 24.
That wicket completed a deserved five-wicket haul for Masekesa, who finished with outstanding figures of five for 48 from 17.4 overs as Bangladesh Emerging were bowled out for 202, adding only two runs to their overnight total.
Maposa had earlier done the key damage with three for 48, while Masuku and Antum Naqvi claimed one wicket apiece. Holding a first-innings lead of 155, Zimbabwe ‘A’ enforced the follow-on in pursuit of victory.
Masekesa again led the charge in the second innings, striking regularly to keep the pressure on Bangladesh Emerging. He removed Shahadat Hossain Dipu for 22, Pritom Kumar for five, Ashiqur Rahman Shibli for 62 and Afif Hossain Dhrubo for eight.
Naqvi also played his part with the ball, dismissing Iftakhar Hossain Ifti for a duck as Bangladesh Emerging slipped to 145 for five.
However, captain Jaker Ali stood firm for the hosts, finishing unbeaten on 57 from 104 balls.
His partnership with Ashraful Hasan, who was 10 not out, helped Bangladesh Emerging reach 170 for five, a lead of 15, before rain arrived during the third session.
With no prospect of a result after the interruption, the captains shook hands to end the match as a draw.
Zimbabwe ‘A’s dominance had been built on their first-innings total of 357 for eight declared.
Matthew Campbell struck a fluent 119 from 118 balls, while Naqvi produced a composed unbeaten 100 from 169 deliveries. Michael Frost added useful lower-order support with 24, while Johnathan Campbell and Tanunurwa Makoni both made 33.
Masekesa was named Player of the Match after taking nine wickets across Bangladesh Emerging’s two innings, including five for 48 in the first innings and four for 64 in the second.
Naqvi was named Player of the Series for his all-round contributions with the bat, ball and in the field.
The two-match red-ball series finished without a winner, with both matches ending in draws.
The opening match was heavily affected by rain and produced minimal play, while the second saw Zimbabwe ‘A’ push hard for victory before the weather intervened.
Brief Score:
Zimbabwe ‘A’ — 357-8 declared in 94.1 overs (Matthew Campbell 119, Antum Naqvi 100*, Johnathan Campbell 33; Musfik Hasan 3/55, Anamul Haque 3/69, Nayeem Ahmed 1/76)
Bangladesh Emerging — 202 and 170-5 in 61.1 overs (following on) (Ashiqur Rahman Shibli 62, Jaker Ali 57*, Shahadat Hossain Dipu 22; Vincent Masekesa 4/64, Antum Naqvi 1/12)
Result: Match Drawn
