The Bangladesh U-19 team, led by Azizul Haque Tamim, has booked a spot in the final of the tri-nation ODI series in Zimbabwe with two matches to spare. Featuring Bangladesh, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, all teams have now played four matches each. Bangladesh and South Africa both sit on 6 points, while hosts Zimbabwe, having lost all four of their games, remain point-less and are out of contention.
On Friday, August 1, at Harare Sports Club, Bangladesh sealed their place in the final by defeating Zimbabwe by 8 wickets. With Zimbabwe unable to reach more than 4 points even if they win their remaining two matches, the final will now be contested between Bangladesh and South Africa on August 10 in Harare.
Bangladesh skipper Azizul Tamim won the toss and elected to bowl first. The decision paid off handsomely, as the home side was bowled out for just 89 runs in 22.3 overs. Fast bowler Imon starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets for 27 runs. Swadhin Islam and Sanjid Majumder chipped in with 2 wickets each.
In reply, Bangladesh stumbled early, losing opener Rifat Beg for a golden duck in the very first over, dismissed by Zimbabwean pacer Shelton Mazvitorera. The Tigers lost another wicket at 39, but a composed 52-run unbeaten partnership between captain Tamim and Rizan Hossain guided the team to a comfortable victory with 209 balls to spare.
Bangladesh’s U-19 side has been in dominant form throughout the tournament and now has their sights firmly set on the championship clash with South Africa.
