Bangladesh’s Under-19 team secured a commanding seven-wicket victory against the United States in their final group-stage match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, booking their place in the super six stage.
The home side restricted the USA to 199 runs thanks to a disciplined bowling performance, before chasing the target comfortably with captain Azizul Hakim scoring a tournament-high 64. Bangladesh reached the target with 51 balls to spare.
Strong batting display
Every Bangladeshi batter reached double figures in the chase. Opener Zawad Abrar laid the foundation with 47 runs off 42 balls, including three sixes and five fours. Coming in at number three, captain Azizul was aggressive from the start, hitting two sixes and two fours on his way to 64 runs.
Bowling brilliance lays the foundation
The player of the match award went to pacer Iqbal Hossain, who claimed 3 wickets for 41 runs. Al Fahad, Shahriar Ahmed, and Rijan Hossain each chipped in with two wickets apiece, helping Bangladesh keep the USA under pressure throughout their innings.
After winning the toss and electing to field, Bangladesh struck early, with Iqbal Hossain and Al Fahad removing two wickets in the second and third overs for just six runs. The USA attempted to rebuild through Sahil Garg and Utkarsh Shrivastava, who added 51 for the third wicket, but Shahriar Ahmed dismissed Sahil for 35 and later Shiv Shan fell to the left-arm spinner.
Iqbal Hossain later removed Shrivastava’s stumps, leaving the USA at 128 for seven. Captain Adnit Jhamb battled at the other end, scoring 68 off 58 balls with a six and three fours, remaining unbeaten.
Record-breaking milestone for Al Fahad
In a 43-run partnership with Adit Kappa, pacer Al Fahad achieved the record for the fastest 50 wickets in Under-19 One-Day Internationals, reaching the milestone in 25 matches. The previous record of 50 wickets in 26 matches was held by India’s Vijaykumar Yeo Mahesh.
