On the opening day of their four-day match against Central Zone at Karnail Singh Stadium yesterday, the tourists were put to the sword by century-maker Abbas Ali who plundered 122 in Central's 248 for three.

The left-hander from Madhya Pradesh rescued his side, which, after electing to bat, had lost two quick wickets for 24 runs.

Ali struck 122 in 205 balls with the help of 20 boundaries and one six. He received fine support from fellow Madhya Pradesh player Devendra Bundela, who was unbeaten on 83 off 238 balls.

They amassed 214 for the third wicket to steer the home side to a strong position.

However, the day began well for the Mohammad Ashraful-led BCB XI, which lost its opening match to East Zone by an innings and 149 runs last week, when Anwar Hossain Munir trapped opener Amit Pagnis lbw for 12 with the score on 16. And eight runs later former Indian Test batsman Sanjay Bangar, who struggled for 70 balls in making 11 runs, fell in the same fashion to Talha Jubair.

During his innings Bangar also suffered a blow on the elbow from Talha but X-rays revealed no serious damage. But the opener continued to bat with a swollen elbow.

Bangar's dismissal brought Ali and Bundela together for their brilliant partnership.

Ali was eventually out five overs before the close when he played a tired-looking shot off leg-spinner Alok Kapali and was caught by Abdur Razzaq at cover.

After the day's play Bangladesh coach Dav Whatmore thought that Central Zone had fought back well in the circumstances.

"The big partnership was a bit frustrating after we got two early wickets. The flat track also did no good to our bowlers," he said.