Hamilton Masakadza, Sikandar Raza take small positives from rain-hit match

Zimbabweans 145 for 5 dec (Masakadza 39, Raza 32*, Ebadat 2-13) drew with Bangladesh Cricket Board XI 56 for 2 (Shanto 22*, Jarvis 1-8)

Rain ruined Zimbabwe's final preparations for their first Test in 11 months, after the match only went on for 66 overs, most of it on the third day. It was particularly frustrating for their bowlers who only had 18 overs to bowl in a competitive setting before they head into the first Test in Sylhet on November 3.

Kyle Jarvis and legspinner Ryan Burl took one wicket each before play was finally called off with the BCB XI 56 for 2. Tendai Chatara, Donald Tiripano and Brandon Mavuta, who struggled during the ODI series, only got to bowl 12 overs between them.

Their batsmen would have been relatively happier with their outing, although Brian Chari, Craig Ervine, Brendon Taylor and Regis Chakabva couldn't capitalise on the opportunity. Hamilton Masakadza retired on 39 off 88 balls while Sikandar Raza struck four boundaries in an unbeaten 32 off 46 balls. Peter Moor struck two sixes in his 26-ball stay before falling lbw.

The touring side head to Sylhet on Thursday morning, for the first Test that begins on Saturday.