Riding on three half-centuries from Rakibul Hossain, Ahsan Al Mumin and opener SK Jarif Siyam and a five-wicket haul from Rubya Islam Rizon, Bangladesh made a winning start to the four-match Youth ODI series against Afghanistan with a 33-run victory in the first match today at Al Amerat Stadium in Oman.
Rakibul was unbeaten on 79 off 78 with six fours and one six, Mumin made 54 while opener Jarif Siyam scored 50 to steer Bangladesh to a respectable 250-8 after a horrendous start.
Rizon then ripped through Afghan innings in style, dismissing them for 217 in 48.2 overs as Bangladesh took 1-0 lead in the series.
Put into bat first Bangladesh made a disastrous start but Jarif held together the innings with utmost confidence to set the platform for Rakibul and Mumin.
The duo shared 117 runs for the sixth wicket after Bangladesh were reduced to 111-5, including the wicket of Jarif.
After the dismissal of Mumin, Rakibul guided the lower order to help Bangladesh reach 250.
Imran Mohammadi was the most successful bowler for Afghanistan with 3-57 while Lutfullah Mohammadi picked up 2-25.
Rizon however put a disciplined show to stifle Afghanistan chase right from the words go. He was ably supported by Atiqur Rahman’s 2-32 and Jarif Siyam’s 1-27, leaving Afghanistan in a state of embarrassment.
Hamza Khan was the only batter to make some resistance by hitting 51, a knock that was instrumental in taking the side past 200.
The second match of the series will be held on Monday.
