In a peculiar visual display at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, the Bangladesh national team—competing under the guise of the BCB XI—clinched a 40-run victory over the BCL One-Day All Stars XI. The match was notable not just for the high-quality individual performances, but for the “technicolour” appearance of the All Stars, who took to the field in a disparate array of team kits from the Bangladesh Cricket League (BCL) after the board declined to issue new apparel for the exhibition fixture.
Top-Order Revitalisation
With Bangladesh scheduled to play 22 One-Day Internationals this year, the pressure is mounting to secure a top-nine ranking and guarantee qualification for next year’s World Cup. Consequently, this practice match served as a vital testing ground for a revamped batting order.
Opening the innings, Tanzid Hasan provided the coaching staff with significant relief. Whilst his partner, Saif Hassan, struggled for rhythm with a turgid 22 off 47 deliveries, Tanzid was imperious. He reached his half-century in 58 balls before accelerating to a fine century off 101 balls.
A notable tactical shift saw Litton Das moved to the middle order. Having suffered the ignominy of four ducks in his last six international outings as an opener, Litton appeared rejuvenated in his new role, contributing a brisk 44. Returning all-rounder Afif Hossain and captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz added valuable cameos to propel the BCB XI to a formidable total of 295.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Performance Note |
| Tanzid Hasan | 100 | 101 | Reached 50 in 58 balls |
| Litton Das | 44 | 38 | Hit 4 boundaries and 1 six |
| Afif Hossain | 29 | 28 | Dismissed via run-out |
| Mehidy Hasan Miraz | 24 | 15 | Late-innings acceleration |
Rishad’s Leg-Spin Masterclass
The All Stars’ chase began with promise but was soon dismantled by the guile of leg-spinner Rishad হোসেন (Rishad Hossain). In a superb 10-over spell, Rishad claimed 5 wickets for just 40 runs, leaving the All Stars reeling at 157-8 by the 34th over.
However, the national side’s inability to “kill off” the tail will be a point of concern for the selectors. A resilient ninth-wicket stand of 80 runs between Ripon Mondol and Abdul Gaffar Saqlain frustrated the frontline bowlers, allowing the All Stars to reach a respectable 255-9. While the BCB XI secured the win, the late-innings resistance from the domestic players highlighted lingering inconsistencies in the national bowling attack beyond Rishad’s brilliance.