Kayes, Rahim shine in Bangladesh warm-up

Opening batsman Imrul Kayes and wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim were in good form as Bangladesh had the better of a two-day match against a South African Airways Challenge XI at the Diamond Oval Sunday.

Bangladesh scored 375 in their only innings, a lead of 110. The Challenge XI were 74 for two in their second innings when the match ended in a draw.

The left-handed Kayes, 21, put himself in line for a first Test cap with an innings of 86. Kayes, who toured South Africa with a Bangladesh Academy team earlier in the year, made his runs off 150 balls and hit 15 fours.

The first of two Tests against South Africa starts in Bloemfontein Wednesday.

Rahim stroked his way to 89 off 124 balls with 16 fours as the tourists secured a solid lead on the first innings in their only warm-up game ahead of the Test series. Bangladesh were beaten 2-0 in a one-day series against South Africa.

Bangladesh captain Mohammad Ashraful made a typically dashing 48 off 50 balls with nine fours.

Left-arm medium-pacer Mthokozisi Shezi was the most successful bowler for the Challenge XI, made up of amateur players, taking four for 42, including four of Bangladesh's top five in the batting order.

Bangladesh move to Bloemfontein Monday to start their preparations for the Test. The South African team will also assemble in the city Monday.