SPORTS REPORTER

A dramatic batting collapse saw Bangladesh ‘A’ team suffer a 70-run defeat against their New Zealand counterparts in the opening four-dayer of a two-match series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 246 runs on the final day, the hosts reached 170-6. However, they lost their last four wickets for just five runs in a span of 19 balls to get bowled out for 175 in their second innings in the final session of the match.

Mahidul Islam Ankon was stranded at one end, unbeaten on 57 off 167 balls, while opener Zakir Hasan scored 50.

Visitors’ off-spinner Adi Ashok was the chief wrecker, finishing with 5-54, while left-arm spinner Jayden Lennox claimed three wickets.

Earlier on the day, New Zealand added 41 runs to their overnight score of 216-5 before they were dismissed for 257. Overnight centurion Nick Kelly made a team-high of 122 off 207 balls.

Left-arm spinner Hasan Murad returned figures of 5-61 while off-spinner Nayeem Hasan took four wickets for the hosts.