Bangladesh Under-19 continued their impressive run in the ACC U-19 Asia Cup 2025, securing a convincing 39-run victory over Sri Lanka in the 11th match of the tournament on Wednesday at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. With this win, the defending champions finished top of Group B, maintaining their winning streak in three consecutive matches of the competition.
After losing the toss, Bangladesh were asked to bat first and went on to set a target of 226 runs for the Lankans. The Young Tigers posted a competitive total of 225, built on a steady opening stand between Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg. Zawad narrowly missed out on a half-century, scoring 49 off 36 balls, while Rifat contributed a composed 36 from 48 deliveries. Captain Azizul Hakim added 29 runs before the innings slowed in the middle overs. However, valuable contributions from Kalam Siddiki, who scored a patient 32 off 60 balls, and Farid Hasan, with 29 off 40 deliveries, helped Bangladesh regain momentum and reach a defendable total.
Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was led by Kavija Gamage, who picked up 4 wickets in his full quota of ten overs. Rasith Nimsara and Viran Chamuditha also bowled economically, claiming 2 wickets each, as the Lankan side faced a challenging chase of 226 runs.
In reply, Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a shaky start as young pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon provided an early breakthrough by dismissing opener Viran Chamuditha, who scored 12 off 21 balls. Emon was soon joined by Samiun Basir, who removed Dimantha Mahavithana for 13. With regular wickets falling, the Lankan batting line-up struggled to build partnerships, despite Chamika Heenatigala’s 41 and Aadham Hilmy’s 39 offering some resistance.
Bangladesh tightened their grip on the match in the latter stages, eventually bowling Sri Lanka out for 186. Iqbal Hossain Emon and Shahriar Ahmed were the standout performers with the ball, picking up 3 wickets each, while left-arm spinner Samiun Basir claimed 2 wickets in his ten-over spell.
Bd-pratidin English/TR
