Gabriel shines as Windies draw

Bangladesh,  CMC – Pace spearhead Shannon Gabriel took two wickets as West Indies bowlers got in crucial match practice on Monday’s final day of the drawn two-day match against the Bangladesh Cricket Board XI.

Replying to West Indies’ overnight 303 for seven declared, the BCB XI finished on 232 for five at the MA Aziz Stadium, with Soumya Sarkar top-scoring with 78 and Shadman Islam getting 73.

Mohammad Mithun chipped in with 27 while Najmul Hossain got 21.

Gabriel, who will lead the Windies attack in the absence of injured skipper Jason Holder, claimed two for 24 from eight overs.

West Indies toiled in vain for an early breakthrough as openers Sarkar and Shadman frustrated with a stand of 126.

The left-handed Sarkar, with 10 Tests to his name, produced an attacking knock with 10 fours and three sixes in 103 balls and nearly 2-½ hours at the crease.

Shadman, meanwhile, also a left-hander but who is uncapped, faced 169 deliveries in just over 3-¾ hours and counted 10 fours and a six.

Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican eventually accounted for Sarkar but Shadman combined with Najmul in a 47-run, second wicket partnership.

Both batsmen fell within five overs of each other before Gabriel grabbed two wickets late on to find his touch ahead of the opening Test starting Thursday.