Ashraful ton set stage for easy B’desh victory over UAE

In reply, the UAE team put up a good fight but were folded for 204 in 45.4 overs.

Khurram Habib (78) smashed a brilliant half-century but his valiant effort was not enough to eke out a win as other batsmen failed to perform.

Habib took just 81-balls for his knock, studded with eight shots to the fence. Opener Arsahd Ali also batted well for his 41.

Bangladesh spinner Abdur Razzak was the most successful bowler with figures of 10-2-20-3 while Mahmudullah and Alok Kapali took two wickets apiece.

Earlier, Ashraful led from the front, hitting a superb century to guide Bangladesh to 300 for eight.

Ashraful smashed 109 runs and was well supported by Raquibul, who scored a breezy 63-ball 83, with the help of nine boundaries in the day and night affair.

Electing to bat, Bangladesh did not have an ideal start as opener Nazimuddin (2) fell prey to paceman Zahid Shah in the third over itself and their scoreboard read 12 for loss of one wicket but Ashraful came to the crease and began fireworks making the UAE bowlers run all around the park.