Bangladesh Under-19 began their five-match youth ODI series with a victory over Afghanistan Under-19 in Bogura on Tuesday, winning by the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method. Kalam Siddiqui led the hosts to victory with a fine century.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan opted to bat first. Openers Khalid Ahmadzai and Osman Sadat gave their side a steady start, adding 55 runs for the first wicket during the powerplay. Both were dismissed in quick succession, with Khalid scoring 34 off 33 balls and Osman making 15 from 26 deliveries. Faisal Khan Shinzada then contributed 33 runs from 46 balls before being dismissed, leaving Uzairullah Niazi to anchor the innings.
While wickets continued to fall at the other end, Uzairullah held firm, completing a superb century and remaining unbeaten. His 140 not out came off 137 balls with 16 fours and one six. Despite his effort, Bangladesh’s bowlers kept control, with pacer Iqbal Hossain Imon claiming five wickets for 57 runs. Rezan Hossain picked up two wickets in the 49th over. Afghanistan finished their 50 overs at 265 for nine.
In reply, Bangladesh lost early wickets as Jawad Abrar and captain Azilzul Hakim Tamim fell cheaply. Rifat Baig also departed with the score on 60. However, Kalam Siddiqui and Rizan Haque steadied the innings with a 139-run partnership.
Kalam reached his century, scoring 101 from 119 balls before being dismissed, while Rizan made 75 off 96. Mohammad Abdullah added an unbeaten 12 from 19 balls before poor light stopped play. At that stage, Bangladesh were 231 for four in 46 overs, needing 34 more runs from 24 balls. The officials called an end to the match, and Bangladesh were declared winners under the DLS method.
