Bangladesh Under-19 opened their ACC Asia Cup 2025 campaign with a three-wicket win over Afghanistan Under-19 on Saturday at the ICC Academy Ground, reports the Daily Sun.
Chasing a target of 284, Bangladesh made a strong start through their openers. Zawad Abrar narrowly missed out on a century, scoring 96 off 112 balls, while Rifat Beg added 62 from 68 deliveries. After their dismissals, the captain steadied the innings with a composed 47 off 48 balls. Kalam Siddiki also made a valuable contribution, scoring 29 from 36 balls to keep the chase on track.
Although Bangladesh lost wickets in the later stages, they held their nerve to reach the target and secure the win with three wickets in hand.
For Afghanistan, Khatir Stanikzai and Roohullah Arab took two wickets each in an effort to slow the Bangladesh batting, but were unable to prevent defeat.
Afghanistan earlier posted a competitive 283 for 7 after being sent in to bat, built around a fine century from Faisal Shinozada. The opener scored 103 off 94 balls to anchor the innings, sharing key partnerships with Osman Sadat (34) and Uzairullah Niazai (44). Azizullah Miyakhil added 38, while Abdul Aziz provided late impetus with a quick 26 off 16 balls to lift the total in the closing overs.
With this victory, Bangladesh Under-19 will take confidence into their next match against Nepal Under-19, scheduled for Monday.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
