Uncapped NCL hopefuls rise for BCBXI

National Cricket League (NCL) performers stepped up to the challenge against the West Indies, with Kalam Siddiki Aleen leading the charge with a magnificent 135 as the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) XI piled up 371 for seven on the opening day of their two-day warm-up match at Anvir Cricket Stadium in Anvir Bashundhara Group (ABG) Sports City on Thursday.

Kalam’s career-defining knock, alongside Jishan Alam’s fluent 86 and Md Rizwan’s 59, helped the hosts recover from an early setback and put together a formidable total against the visiting Test side.

The innings also offered the selectors an opportunity to assess emerging domestic talent against international-quality bowling, with BCB chief selector and former Bangladesh captain Habibul Bashar Sumon and former national team senior assistant coach Mohammad Salahuddin present at the venue to observe the players, pitch and playing conditions.

Sent in to bat by the West Indies, the BCB XI lost Mahfijul Islam for four before Jishan and the middle order steadied the innings. Jishan struck 11 fours and two sixes in his 100-ball 86, providing the platform for the home side to build.

Iftakhar Hossain Ifti made 18 off 62 balls, while Jaker Ali contributed 30 from 48 deliveries. Kalam then took charge, striking 20 fours and a six in a composed 184-ball innings that proved the highlight of the day.

After Kalam’s dismissal, Rizwan added valuable runs with a 106-ball 59. Shamim Hossain provided late impetus, smashing an unbeaten 35 off just 30 balls, including six fours and a six. Abdul Halim was unbeaten without scoring at the close.

Joshua Bishop and Kavem Hodge claimed two wickets apiece for the West Indies.

Kalam said he found the challenge of facing international bowlers manageable, with the pitch offering good batting conditions.

“It was a very good wicket for batting. It was a little challenging for the fast bowlers, but it was good for the spinners,” he told reporters.

The young batter also played down the significance of his century not counting towards official first-class records, saying it would remain part of his personal record while he looked to carry the form into upcoming NCL matches.

Facing a national side featuring recognised international players, including experienced pacer Kemar Roach, was also a valuable experience for Kalam.

“It was a dream for everyone to play against a big team, a national side with so many quality and well-known players. By playing for the BCB XI today, that dream has been fulfilled to some extent,” he said.

The warm-up match also provided an early look at Anvir Cricket Stadium’s playing surface, with Kalam describing it as favourable for batting, although the pace bowlers faced a tougher challenge.