Cricket

Mohammad Ashraful celebrated a return to his favourite foreign land with a thumping hundred yesterday as Bangladesh secured a 29-run victory in their first warm-up match since reaching Colombo for the forthcoming Asia Cup.

Ashraful, who scored a century on Test debut against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2002 to become the youngest ever batsman to do so in the history of the game, hit 125 in the Tigers' total of 265 for seven in 50 overs at the Police Park ground, more famous for holding rugby clashes, according to a message received at the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

In reply, the opponents, a Sri

Lankan Invitational XI, could manage 236 for eight.

Ashraful apart, left-hander Faisal Hossain struck 49.

Veteran Khaled Mahmud was the pick of Bangladesh attack taking two for 25 while fellow medium pacer Mushfiqur Rahman returned figures of two for 38.

Also taking wickets were left-arm spinners Mohammad Rafique (136) and Abdur Razzak (1-40) and surprise, surprise, captain Habibul Bashar tried a bit of off-spin and got a wicket too giving away seven runs.

Paceman Tareq Aziz did not have good day as he was hammered for 62.

Bangladesh will play two more warm-up matches on July 9 and 12 before beginning their Asia Cup campaign against Hong Kong on July 16.