Bangladesh recovered from a top-order collapse to post 263 in their three-day warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Darwin, thanks to a superb unbeaten century from vice-captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Bangladesh were struggling at 110 for 6 after being asked to bat on Thursday before Miraz walked in at No. 7 and rescued the innings with an unbeaten 109. His fighting knock guided the tourists to 263, giving them a 212-run lead at stumps on the opening day.
Bangladesh are touring Australia for a Test series for the first time in 23 years, with the opening Test set to begin in Darwin on August 13. Ahead of the series, the warm-up match is being viewed more as an opportunity to adapt to Australian conditions than to focus on the result.
Speaking in a video released by the Bangladesh Cricket Board after the first day’s play, Miraz admitted the conditions were challenging early in his innings.
“It was a little challenging at the beginning. I just tried to play according to merit. Their bowlers consistently bowled in good areas. It was difficult for me because this is my first time playing in these conditions,” he said.
Rather than chasing runs, Miraz said his priority was to adjust to the surface and build partnerships. “I tried to adapt and build partnerships. I wasn’t looking for runs early on. My focus was on understanding how to adjust to the wicket. Once I settled in and got opportunities, scoring became easier. That was my approach,” he said.
The all-rounder also believes the century has come at the right time after a lean run with the bat and ahead of the two-match Test series against Australia.
“With the Test matches coming up, this century will give me confidence. If I can continue with the same mindset I had today, it will be good for me and also for the team,” Miraz added.
