Bangladesh Under-19 team clinched a massive 145-run victory over Afghanistan Under-19s in the first match of their five-match youth one-day international series at the Sylhet International Stadium on Thursday.
Put into bat first, Bangladesh Under-19 team scored 222-9 in their 50 overs despite Towhid Hridoy scoring the only half-century for the side – 52 off 84 balls with four fours.Left-arm pacer Kazi Anik later grabbed 4-27 making his debut in youth ODI as Bangladesh Under-19s dismissed their Afghan counterparts for 77 runs to secure a huge win.
The home side began their innings on a positive note before few quick wickets saw them losing four wickets for 84 runs inside 15 overs. Hridoy, another debutant for Bangladesh at this level, put 75 runs with wicketkeeper Mahidul Islam Ankon (35) in the fifth wicket stand to bring the innings back on track.
Anik, who was adjudged player of the match, added 27 off 24 balls to help Bangladesh’s score past 200-run mark. In reply, Afghanistan youths lost their wickets on a regular basis and were folded in 34.2 overs without showing much of a resistance.
Only two batsmen –Tarik Stanikzai (16) and Nisar Wahdat (10) – could reach double-figure as Bangladeshi bowlers made a quick work to complete the win. Spinner Nayeem Hasan chipped in with 3-11 runs.
The series is part of preparations for both sides ahead of next month’s junior Asia Cup and ICC Under-19 World Cup in January. The next of the series will be held on September 30 at the same venue.
-With New Age input
