Miraz century guides Bangladesh to 263 in Darwin warm-up

Online Desk : Vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz struck a fighting unbeaten century to rescue Bangladesh on the opening day of their three-day practice match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin on Thursday.

After opting to bat, Bangladesh’s top order struggled to settle, slumping to 110 for six as the visitors failed to capitalise on the only warm-up match ahead of the upcoming two-Test series against Australia.

Miraz then anchored the innings with an unbeaten 109 off 141 deliveries, sharing crucial lower-order partnerships to guide Bangladesh to 263 all out in 75.5 overs.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed 37, while opener Shadman Islam added 31.

Off-spinner Corey Rocchiccioli was the standout bowler for the Cricket Australia XI, claiming six wickets for 83 runs.

Miraz’s century comes as a timely confidence boost ahead of the two-Test series against Australia, which begins later this month.

In reply, the Cricket Australia XI suffered an early collapse, slipping to 2 for 1 after Hasan Mahmud dismissed Sam Konstas for 1 and Taskin Ahmed removed Campbell Kellaway for a duck.

However, Kurtis Patterson and Josh Philippe steadied the innings with an unbroken 50-run partnership. At stumps, Patterson was unbeaten on 26, while Philippe remained not out on 22.