Shakib the odd one out

Bangladesh top-order batsmen failed to do anything big once again on Thursday, but a Shakib Al Hasan fifty has saved some blushes in the warm-up match against Cricket South Africa Invitation XI at Bloemfontein.

The visitors lost four wickets inside the first 15 overs after Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe bin Mortaza had won the toss and elected to bat first.

Opener Imrul Kayes looked to be on song, but Robbie Frylinck struck in consecutive balls to remove Soumya Sarkar and Imrul to unsettle the Tigers.

Imrul had made a fine start, hitting six fours in his 27-run innings. Soumya only managed three while Liton Das scored eight before Mushfiqur Rahim returned to the pavillion making 22.

Shakib then first made a 57-run partnership with Mahmudullah (21), which was followed by a 76-run stand with Sabbir Rahman.

The all-rounder hit 68 off 67 balls thanks to nine fours. The Tigers now have 201 for 6 after 38 overs, with Sabbir on 41.