Bangladesh rode on a commanding 216-run opening stand between Shadman Islam and Joyraz Sheikh to start their Under-19 World Cup campaign with an emphatic 10-wicket victory over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi yesterday.
After roping the Afghans to 212 runs with an impressive bowling performance, it was Shadman who registered his career’s first century and paved the way for an easy win with over seven overs to spare at Sheikh Zayed Stadium . Player of the match Shadman, the dominating off the two, clobbered 14 fours and a six to remain unbeaten on 126 runs from 142 deliveries. Joyraz at the other end was sensible to assist him with a valuable 81 off 114 balls. He struck 11 fours.
Their partnership of 216 in 42.3 overs was the second best for Bangladesh in the Under-19 stage. The best was of 231 runs between Amit Majumder and Anamul Haque against Zimbabwe in Bogra in 2009.
Earlier, put in to bat first Afghanistan were off to a good start with their openers adding 69 but once the partnership was broken through a run-out by Mosaddek Hossain they young Tigers never looked back. The spinners played the vital role as they tied the run-rate and pressurised the Afghan batters to go for big shots which eventually cost them their wickets in regular intervals.
Off-spinner Mosaddek was the most successful bowler claiming three for 19 while left-arm spinner Rahatul Ferdous took two for 38. 8
In the other match of Group B Australia also registered a 101-run win over Namibia. Meanwhile, India and Scotland also picked up wins in their respective matches against Pakistan and Papua New Guinea.
Source: Dhaka Tribune