BENONI – Bangladesh opening batsman Tamim Iqbal was forced to retire hurt with a thigh muscle injury after facing just 13 balls on the first day of a three-day tour match against a South African Invitation XI at Willowmoore Park on Thursday.
Bangladesh made 306/7 declared after winning the toss. The Invitation XI were 21/1 at the close.
Tamim, a veteran of 51 Tests and the team’s all-time leading run-scorer, made five runs before leaving the field in the fifth over.
Team manager Minhazul Nanna said the batsman had suffered a strained right thigh muscle. He left the field as a precaution, and his condition would be assessed on Friday following a scan.
Bangladesh are already without leading all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan, who is being rested from the two-Test series against South Africa, which starts next Thursday at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
Mominul Haque, captain Mushfiqur Rahim and Sabbir Rahman made half-centuries for the tourists, but Mahmudullah, who is hoping to make a comeback to the Test side after being dropped earlier this year, was out first ball to 19-year-old fast bowler Michael Cohen, who took 4/23.
Brief Scores
Bangladesh XI 306/7 declared (Soumya Sarkar 43, Imrul Kayes 34, Mominul Haque 68, Mushfiqur Rahim 63, Sabbir Rahman 58 not out; Michael Cohen 4/23)
SA Invitation XI 21/1