The 20-year-old, who replaced fellow all-rounder Alok Kapali, came in at number six with the Tigers reeling on 73 for 4. He scored exactly 50 off 57 balls, studded with a dozen fours and a six over mid-wicket.

But he played with ease on the same ground he had played for the Bangladesh A side a few weeks earlier. When the Zimbabweans replied, he came in at one change and bowled ten steady overs, conceding 43 runs.

"I was only told that I would be playing after breakfast today (Sunday) but I was mentally prepared to play any time," Reza told the official BCB website after the match.

The Rajshahi boy also acclaimed the contributions of captain Habibul Bashar and his hometown teammate Khaled Mashud.

"I did not feel any nerves because the skipper told me to play my natural game and then Mashud gave me confidence by saying, 'the worst that could happen was that you could get out, so don't worry about a thing'.

"I know my parents, sister and brother-in-law are missing me and I miss them too. I just want to tell them that it was because of their prayers that I could play like I did,” said a pleased Reza.

Bashar was furthermore impressed and quite satisfied by the debutant's relaxed approach and eventual contribution that was instrumental in salvaging the Bangladesh innings.

"He played his natural game and had he not played in that way we might not have reached 238. He did all that was asked of him, batting, bowling and fielding," said skipper Bashar who misses the rest of the Africa tour with a hand injury.

"We need someone like Reza in the side and I hope he continues to perform like he did today (Sunday)," acknowledged Bashar.

Wicket-keeper batsman Khaled Mashud virtually held the innings together along with Reza, Mohammad Rafique and the rest of the tail, to remain unbeaten on 48 off 77 balls.

Mashud also had four dismissals to cap off a remarkable day for the 'keeper. He was in question over his position on the side ahead of the tour and had mentioned that he relishes a challenge.

On Sunday, the challenge was similar to those he had faced over the period of his career and successfully held the innings together as well as keeping a clean sheet behind the stumps.

The difference between the two back-to-back matches was the fielding as the run-outs suggested.

Bashar informed that there was a talk on stopping Elton Chigumbura and Stuart Matsikenyeri, the hosts' saviours on Saturday.

"We discussed the field positions, looked at where they like to play and changed our fielding plan accordingly," said Bashar.

"We recovered very well today. This would not have been possible three or four years ago.

"The way Mashud and Reza played was unbelievable. This shows that we have what it takes to pull ourselves out of pressure situations and I am sure you will see more of this in the future also. I must also add that we haven't played to our full potential yet," added Bashar.

Man-of-the-match Rafique, who took two for 24, admitted that he had to change his bowling-plan according to the conditions.

"I bowled a lot quicker in the first match but saw that their spinners bowled a little slow and the ball had turned. I tried to do the same and it worked," said the veteran left-armer.

The Tigers took a break on Monday and will resume practice today for the third match on the same ground on August 2.