Bangladesh Under 19 kept their perfect run going in the Asia Cup. They beat Sri Lanka on Wednesday to reach the semifinals. This was their third straight win after victories over Afghanistan and Nepal. The match was played at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Bangladesh won by 39 runs and confirmed a semifinal against Pakistan on December 19.
Bangladesh scored 225 after being sent in to bat. Zawad Abrar once again led the charge at the top. The right hand opener played with freedom and intent. He scored 49 from 36 balls. His innings included four fours and four sixes. He missed his third fifty in a row by just one run. Zawad added 83 runs for the first wicket with Rifat Beg. Rifat scored 36 before both openers fell to Rasith Nimsara.
After the early partnership, Bangladesh found stability through captain Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki. The pair added 53 runs and slowed the fall of wickets. Azizul was later bowled by Viran Chamuditha. That dismissal changed the momentum. Bangladesh then lost wickets in quick succession. Six wickets fell for only 35 runs. Rizan Hossan, Shahriar Ahmed and Shahria Al Amin failed to make an impact.
Bangladesh slipped from a strong position to 191 for eight. Farid Hasan then played a calm hand down the order. He scored 29 and helped the team cross the 200 mark. Iqbal Hossain Emon added a quick 12 not out from six balls. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 225. Kavija Gamage was the best bowler for Sri Lanka with four wickets. Rasith Nimsara and Viran Chamuditha took two wickets each.
Sri Lanka never settled in the chase of 226. They lost four wickets inside the first 44 runs. The pressure came from both ends. Left arm spinner Samiun Basir kept things tight. Pacer Iqbal Hossain Emon attacked with movement and pace. He finished with three wickets for 37 runs from 10 overs and bowled two maidens.
The middle order also failed to respond. Chamika Heenatigala tried to resist the collapse. The left hand batter scored 41 from 67 balls. He was eventually bowled by Shahriar Ahmed. Shahriar had a fine spell and took three wickets for 27 runs from his 10 overs.
Aadhham Hilmy added some late runs with 39 from 38 balls, but the result was never in doubt. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 186 in 49.1 overs. Bangladesh stayed in control for most of the innings and sealed a deserved win.
