Bangladesh Emerging Team began their tri-series campaign in disappointing fashion after suffering a seven-wicket defeat against South Africa Emerging Team in Pretoria.
Sent in to bat first, Bangladesh were bowled out for just 89 runs as the South African pace attack dominated from the opening overs. The innings lasted only 30.2 overs, leaving the hosts with a simple target to chase.
Opener Mahfizul Islam was the only Bangladesh batter to offer resistance. He scored 40 runs from 73 deliveries, hitting five boundaries, but received little support from the rest of the batting order.
Aminul Islam Biplob scored 11 and Samiun Basir added 10, while no other batter reached double figures. Bangladesh also collected 11 extras as they struggled to build a competitive total.
South African pacer Dian Galliem produced the best bowling performance of the match, claiming five wickets for 18 runs in 8.2 overs. Andile Mogakane provided strong support with two wickets, while Bayanda Majola, Janko Smit and Caleb Seleka took one each.
Chasing 90, South Africa Emerging Team lost an early wicket with only one run on the scoreboard. However, they quickly recovered and completed the chase with ease.
Richard Seletswane remained unbeaten with 35 runs from 40 balls, including five fours and a six. Mitchell van Buuren also stayed unbeaten, scoring 18 from 22 deliveries. Daniel Smith contributed 22, while Modiri Lytheko made 14 as South Africa reached 92 for three in only 18.4 overs.
Bangladesh bowler Chowdhury Mohammad Rizwan was the standout performer for the visitors, taking two wickets for 22 runs in his four overs.
The defeat leaves Bangladesh needing a strong response in their upcoming matches. Their batting collapse proved costly, while South Africa Emerging Team made the perfect start to their tri-series campaign with a dominant performance.
