Bangladesh U-19s beat India U-19s to go top of the table
Bangladesh U-19s have won their second successive match in the tri-nation series, defeating India U-19s by 2 wickets in a rain affected game yesterday, at the Toby Howe Cricket Ground, Billericay, England.
The two successive victories -- after beating England by 7 wickets in the prior match on July 28 -- saw the young Tigers go top of the table after five matches. Each team are set to play eight matches in the tri-series – facing each other four times -- and the top two teams will play the final of the tournament at Hove on August 11.
Having won the toss and electing to field, Bangladesh U-19s restricted India to 221 for 5 in 36 overs after overs were curtailed due to rain. India’s start was solid with opener Qamran Iqbal hitting 44 while Pragnesh Kanpillewar struck a 69-ball 53. India skipper Dhruv Juvel struck a 66-ball 70 as India managed 221 for five wickets. Shoriful Islam bagged two wickets for Bangladesh U-19s.
Due to further rain Bangladesh U-19s were given a revised target of 218 from 32 overs, courtesy of D/L method. Despite the loss of an early wicket, Bangladesh started the chase breezily, reaching 47/1 in six over before they lost Mahmudul Hasan (20) in the seventh over. Opener Parvez Emon, who had been hitting the ball well since the off, reached his fifty in just 40 deliveries with six fours and a six during a 61-run stand for the third wicket with Towhid Hridoy but the young Tigers then lost three quick wickets as Parvez (51 off 45), Towhid (30 off 37) and Shahdat Hossain (1) fell in consecutive overs.
It was 17-year-old Bangladesh U-19 skipper Akbar Ali, who took control of the chase even with wickets falling around him, to guide Bangladesh to victory with an unbeaten 36-ball 49, laced with five fours and two sixes. Needing seven from the final over, Akbar hit the winning runs with a four off Kartik Tyagi as Bangladesh won with two wickets and three deliveries to spare.
Bangladesh U-19s have 7 points from 5 matches following their third win in the tournament. They will play their next game against England -- currently bottom of the table with two points – on August 1 at the same venue. Bangladesh U19s won both their previous matches against England U19s in this series.
