Rahi, Taskin shine in practice game against New Zealand XI

DHAKA - Fast bowlers Abu Jayed Rahi and Taskin Ahmed dazzled with flawless performance on the first day of the two-day practice game against New Zealand XI at Mount Maunganui today.

   This is the only practice match Bangladesh got to play ahead of their two-match Test series against the New Zealand.

   Before the day one was cut short by rain, Rahi and Taskin left the local team 71-5. Rahi finished with 3-27 from nine overs while Taskin who unsettled the batters with raw pace, returned 2-26 from 8.3 overs. Control and maintaining nagging line and length is the strength of Rahi and he played to that, giving Bangladesh the breakthrough in just sixth over, removing opener Luke Georgeson for 6.

   And one ball later, he got the prized scalp of Devon Conway, a key batter of New Zealand national team, who is leading this New Zealand XI. Rahi got him for naught. Taskin then joined the party, taking out another opener Jacob Cummings for 1. But Jack Boyle looked unscathed as he comfortably dealt with both of the pacers.

   A she looked set, Taskin got rid of him for 20 and then Rahi came back again to take the wicket of Mitch Renwick for 18.

   Jakob Bhula was batting on 21 with Ma'ara Ave on 4 before the rain put an end to the day. Satisfied with the condition and bowling well with the new ball, Rahi said, "We have tried to use the practice session as much as we can. We were able to bowl the way New Zealand conditions demand. It has been so good for us. The best thing is that after a long time we bowlers have been able to hit the right area with new balls. All in all, we bowlers have been good so far."'

   Bangladesh will play the first Test against New Zealand in Mount Manganui, starting from January 1. The second Test is in Christchurch from January 9-13.BSS