Led by Habibul Bashar, the Team A were in a precarious position when they crashed to 85-7 halfway through their innings while chasing a moderate 209-run target set by Tushar Imran's Team B in the preparation match for next month's ICC Trophy.

The top order remained a worry for the team's think-tank as even Mohammad Ashraful's promotion to the opening slot could not improve the never-ending problem. Shahriar Nafees, who was adjudged the best batsman of 2005-06 and the Cricketer of the Year last week, was dismissed for a two-ball duck while Ashraful, who also failed to open his account, survived three deliveries.

Only Aftab Ahmed (26 off 45 balls) and Farhad Reza (21 off 22 balls) went past the double-figure against the second string Bangladesh attack.

National skipper Bashar, who batted in a match for the first time since picking up an injury in a one-day international against Zimbabwe on July 30, however, shrugged off the poor show.

"The top order has failed but I am overall satisfied because we got a chance to play. The condition was not very helpful but it will fill some gaps in our lack of match practice for a big tournament like this," said Bashar.

"I know there should be no excuses as our opposition, who are also playing a match after a long gap like us, put on a decent total. But it was very hot day and our cricketers were very tired after fielding full 50 overs. Still I feel that it should have not happened this way.

"I am happy with my performance coming to bat in a match after a long time, I felt easy. There was no problem in my hand which means that I have recovered fully," said Bashar who middled the ball well to score six off 11 deliveries before being bowled by medium pacer Dollar Mahmud.

"Also, we could not field our full attack in the absence of Mashrafee (Bin Mortuza) and (Syed) Rasel. I also had to withdraw (Shahadat Hossain) Rajib after three overs because he was feeling unwell. The important thing is that we are certain to get the services of our leading bowlers Mashrafee and Rajib for the tournament. If weather permits our second match on Saturday, we will try Rasel to see whether he is fit," he said adding that in spite of being fully fit, Mashrafee might be rested in Saturday's game.

Apart from Bashar, Mashrafee and Rasel were also injury worries and chief selector Faruqe Ahmed has hinted that Rasel has to prove his fitness in the next game.

Tapash Baisya is expected to replace left-arm seamer Rasel in case his recovery is not satisfactory.

Meanwhile, as it often happens, the rank outsiders tried their best to remind the selectors of their usefulness. Recent national discard Rajin Saleh and rookie Mehrab Hossain Jr, who is expected to make his international debut in the ICC Trophy, were on top gears on a tricky wicket, both scoring 42 in their collection of 208 all out in exactly 50 overs after Tushar had opted to bat first.

Rajin's 60-ball stay at the wicket produced three boundaries while impressive southpaw Mehrab cracked one four and a six during his 67-ball effort.

Farhad Reza maintained his form, the medium pacer being the pick of the attack with 3-30 from ten overs.