Simi Singh scored his maiden first-class century today as Ireland Wolves took on Bangladesh A in Sylhet.
With the Wolves in trouble, a brilliant and measured counter attacking innings from Singh guided Ireland towards a more competitive total, with a late wicket from Nathan Smith keeping the Wolves on the hunt.
“It’s always special to wear the Ireland jersey and I’m glad I could contribute to the team today” said a humble Singh when asked about his innings on returning to the team hotel.
His innings started with Ireland in real trouble at 29-3 early in the day, but instead of going into his shell, Singh took the game to the Bangladeshi bowlers, particularly the spin pairing of Sunzamul and Mahedi.
“I had a plan of playing my shots from the start” Singh explained when asked about his innings.
“I knew it was going to be difficult if the spinners got settled – sweep and hitting over the top are the two shots I’ve been working on in the nets over the last few day here.”
Singh played aggressively from the start, hitting a big six into the Irish dugout early in his innings to send a message to the Bangladeshi bowlers, but they were powerless to prevent the Leinster Lightning man from powering on and reaching his century.
It was perhaps the most nervous tea break he’ll have in his career, sitting on 99 not out after also being 47 not out at lunch could not have been easy, but Singh kept focus even after he reached his century and posted 121 out of what he thinks is a competitive total.
“I think it’s a decent score but we have to be really accurate and patient, wickets will come in clusters then hopefully.”
Bangladesh A finished the first day on 38-1 in reply to Ireland Wolves’ 255. Play will resume on day two, with a scheduled start time of 9.30am in Sylhet, which is 4.30am in Ireland.
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Connaught
