PORTSMOUTH, Dominica, CMC – Fired by a ruthless half-century from Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh extended their winning streak on their tour of the Caribbean with a 16-win triumph over the UWI Vice Chancellor’s XI here yesterday.
In a match reduced to 25 overs after rain delayed the start until 1:45 pm, Mushfiqur slammed an attacking, unbeaten 82 to propel the Tigers to 167 for six after they won the toss and batted at Benjamin’s Park.
Captain Omar Phillips then stroked a cameo 49 at the top of the order but the Vice Chancellor’s XI fell short of their target, reaching 151 for eight from their allotted overs.
Bangladesh had slipped to 38 for three after fast bowler Gavin Tonge, who finished with two for 18 from his five overs, had snatched two early wickets.
Mushfiqur and Raqibuk Hasan, who struck 34, added 53 for the fourth wicket to revive the innings, the first of three partnerships that pushed the Tigers to their eventual score.
The 20-year-old Mushfiqur pummeled four fours and three sixes off just 59 balls while Raqibul smote two fours and two sixes in a knock that required 33 balls.
Mushfiqur added a further 40 with Mehrab Hossain (10) for the fifth wicket before putting on another 34 for the seventh wicket with Naeem Islam (four not out).
The left-handed Phillips then dominated a 31-run, opening stand with Kieran Powell (2) as the Vice Chancellor’s XI got a flying start.
Devon Smith then stroked a run-a-ball 16 in adding 30 with Phillips, whose knock comprised four fours and two sixes and came from 41 balls.
When both batsmen fell to leave the Vice Chancellor’s XI on 86 for three, Chadwick Walton hit 21 from 16 balls and Crafton Clarke cracked an unbeaten 29 from 19 balls, but the hosts came up short.
