Tushar could not have hoped for a better start to the New Year when the discarded one-day specialist scored an unbeaten 102 after Nafees Ahmed, dubbed a player in the making, missed the magical three-figure mark by just three runs at a venue that has just got international recognition.

The Board XI made those runs in 80 overs before captain Rajin Saleh declared. The performance of the virtual second string Bangladesh side on the first day of a new year gave an indication that better things are not far away when Habibul Bashar's men start the first Test against the inexperienced Southern African nation at the nearby MA Aziz Stadium on January 6.

At stumps, Zimbabwe had reached 41 without loss in the remaining 10 overs with T Matsi-kenyeri and B Rogers unbeaten on 12 and 18 respectively.

The BCB XI got off to a bumpy start after winning the toss, losing two wickets for 47 runs. But left-handed opener Nafees and Rajin (38) led the recovery, putting on 112 runs for the third wicket.

A member of BCB Development Squad and a consistent performer for his side City Club, Nafees struck 19 sweetly timed fours in his entertaining 125-ball knock.

The home side suffered a stunning collapse starting with Nafees, who fell with the score on 179-4. And they lost three more wickets for 16 runs before Tushar and Tareq Aziz Khan built another century partnership for the undefeated eighth wicket to ensure the home team went past the 300-run mark.

Tushar dominated the 121-run stand with eight boundaries and a six. Tareq gave his senior partner good company with a defiant 29.

It was a disappointing day for Al Shahriar, who scored a two-ball duck. Leg-spinner Matsikenyeri was most successful bowler for the tourists with four for 59.

Regarding the declaration, captain Rajin told reporters he did that hoping for a breakthrough in the day's final ten overs.

"If we can take a few early wickets tomorrow, I believe, we can go on and win this match," he said.