Bangladesh Under-19 team made a winning start to their title-defence mission in the Youth Asia Cup by defeating Afghanistan. Chasing a big target, Bangladesh built the foundation of their victory through twin half-centuries from the two openers. Azizul Hakim Tamim then played a brilliant knock to seal the win, as Bangladesh secured a 3-wicket victory with 7 balls to spare.
It was a positive start for Bangladesh in the Under-19 Asia Cup, as the young Tigers began the tournament by beating Afghanistan. Bangladesh entered the competition aiming for a historic hat-trick of titles and got off to a winning start by defeating Afghanistan in their opening match.
On Saturday at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, Bangladesh won the toss and sent Afghanistan in to bat. Batting first, the Afghan youngsters scored 283 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 50 overs.
Faisal Shinozada was the top scorer for Afghanistan with 103 runs. He was supported by Uzairullah Niazai (44), Azizullah Miakhil (38) and Osman Sadat (34). Abdul Aziz added a quick cameo at the end, scoring 26 off just 16 balls.
For Bangladesh, Iqbal Hossain Imon and Shahriar Ahmed picked up two wickets each, while Sad Islam, Samiun Bashir and Rizan Hossain claimed one wicket apiece.
Chasing a target of 284 runs from 300 balls, Bangladesh reached the target with 7 balls remaining, winning by 3 wickets. Openers Jawad Abrar and Rifad Beg gave Bangladesh a flying start, putting together a 151-run opening partnership that laid the foundation for the victory.
Despite his excellent batting, Jawad missed out on a century and was dismissed for 96 runs off 112 balls, hitting 12 fours and 6 sixes. Rifad scored 62 runs off 68 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes. Captain Azizul Hakim scored 47 runs off 48 balls, hitting 2 fours and 3 sixes.
