Naseem and Hamza shine as Bangladesh A bowled out for 122

Pakistan A are in a strong position after reducing Bangladesh A to a meagre 122 in their first innings. Mahmudul was the only shining light for Bangladesh A with his gritty 65 runs. Pakistan A's bowlers, led by Naseem with figures of 3-24, Hamza with 3-33, and Rameez with 2-41, completely dominated the opposition. Pakistan A are now trailing by 120 runs with a score of 2 for 0, setting themselves up for a commanding lead in the match.

Fast bowlers Naseem Shah and Mir Hamza picked three wickets apiece as Pakistan A bowled out Bangladesh A for just 122 in 44.3 overs on the opening day of the first four-day clash in Islamabad on Monday.

After the start was delayed by a wet outfield, Bangladesh A won the toss and elected to bat. But, they had no answers to Naseem and Hamza who tore through the top order. Only opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy thwarted the Pakistan attack to an extent by scoring 65 as the others crumbled around him on a pitch offering help to the fast bowlers.

Naseem returned to the red-ball format after a while having suffered an injury during last year's Asia Cup. He returned figures of 3 for 24 in 8.3 overs while his new ball partner, left-arm fast bowler Hamza took 3 for 33 in 11. While Naseem picked up the wickets of captain Anamul Haque, Mominul Haque and Rejaur Rahman Raja, Hamza nabbed Zakir Hasan, Shahadat Hossain and Nayeem Hasan.

Bangladesh A were reduced to 53 for 3 before a brief partnership ensued. The fourth wicket fell on 91 following which the visitors suffered a collapse which saw them slip to 110 for 9 and eventually be bowled out for 122. Along with Naseem and Hamza, fast bowler Mohammad Rameez also chipped in with two wickets while allrounder Umar Amin picked the key wicket of Mahmudul.

Pakistan A could only bat for two overs before bad light forced an early end to the already reduced day's play. They ended on 2 for no loss with Saim Ayub and Muhammad Huraira at the crease.

Bangladesh A and Pakistan A will play two four-day games and three one-day games in the course of the month. The senior teams will also clash for a two-Test series which gets underway on August 21 in Rawalpindi.