The Emerging Tigers began the series with a win, clinching a nail-biting victory against South Africa. In a tense match filled with excitement, Bangladesh emerged victorious by 3 wickets with just 2 balls to spare.
On Monday, May 12, at the Shaheed Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bowl first. South Africa Emerging posted a formidable total of 301 runs for 8 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Although South Africa had a solid start, they suddenly faltered, losing 4 wickets for just 79 runs.
Connor then took charge of rebuilding the innings. However, his partnership with Endrile was broken at the team score of 133. Later in the innings, thanks to Michael’s quickfire 26 off 15 balls, the visitors managed to surpass the 300-run mark. Ripon Mondol was the standout bowler for Bangladesh, claiming 3 wickets.
Chasing a big target of 302 runs, Bangladesh got off to a decent start with openers Mahfijul Islam Robin and Zishan Alam putting up 52 runs for the first wicket. Zishan was dismissed after scoring 31 off 27 balls. Bangladesh then started losing wickets at regular intervals.
However, Robin held one end and kept the scoreboard ticking. He played a brilliant knock of 87 off 89 balls. After his dismissal, skipper Akbar Ali took charge and added a valuable 41 runs off just 24 balls. Toward the end, Rakibul Hasan’s unbeaten 24 off 10 balls sealed the win for Bangladesh.
With 27 runs needed from the last two overs, the situation looked tough. But Rakibul Hasan made things easier in the 49th over by smashing 3 sixes and scoring 20 runs. In the final over, with 7 runs required, Bangladesh chased down the target with 2 balls to spare, securing a 3-wicket win.
With this thrilling win, Akbar Ali’s side now lead the ongoing ODI series 1–0 against the South Africa Emerging team. At one point, Bangladesh were on the verge of losing, having lost their way in the middle of the innings. But an incredible late flourish from Rakibul Hasan and Tofayel Ahmed turned the tide in Bangladesh’s favor.
