Bangladesh Under-19s began their five-match one-day series in style, defeating England by 87 runs in the opening game at Loughborough’s Haslegrave Ground on 5 September. The victory was built on Rizan Hossain’s superb century and the left-arm spin of Samiun Bashir, who ripped through the hosts’ batting line-up.
Sent in to bat, Bangladesh made a bright start through Jawad Abrar and Rifat Beg, who scored briskly in the powerplay. But after Rifat was bowled for 11 by Alex Green and captain Azizul Hakim was caught for 9 off Matthew Firebank, the visitors lost Jawad too, dismissed by James Minto for 40 from 38 balls. At 69 for 3, Bangladesh were in some trouble.
It was then that Rizan, coming in at number four, combined with Kalam Siddiqui to steady the innings. The pair built a commanding 148-run stand for the fourth wicket. Kalam struck 68 from 84 balls, with one six and eight fours, before falling lbw to Minto. Abdullah was dismissed the next ball, but Rizan carried on to reach his century from 100 deliveries. His innings of 100 off 101 balls featured nine fours and a six before he too was removed by Byron Hutton-Loy immediately after raising his ton.
Shahriar Al Amin added 25 from 23 balls late on, while Samiun Bashir Ratul made 21 off 13. Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 292 in 49.2 overs. For England, Minto claimed five wickets and Hutton-Loy finished with three.
Chasing 293, England lost Ben Dawkins in the first over, bowled by Al Fahad. However, Isaac Mohammad and Joe Moores counter-attacked, with Moores scoring 14 before falling to Azizul Hakim Tamim’s off-spin. Isaac then combined with Will Bennison for 86 runs, the latter striking 36 from 32 balls before Shadhin Islam dismissed him.
Isaac went on to dominate with a blistering 75 from 53 balls, including seven sixes and four fours. But when he was caught off Rizan’s bowling with the score at 142, England collapsed. Thomas Rew and Jake Nelson tried to rebuild, yet Bangladesh’s spinners took control. Ratul was the chief destroyer, claiming 4 wickets for just 9 runs, while Shadhin picked up two. Fahad, Rizan and Azizul Tamim chipped in with one each as England were dismissed for 205 in 32.2 overs.
Bangladesh’s comprehensive victory gave them a 1-0 lead in the series. The next match will be played on 7 September, with further fixtures scheduled for 10, 12 and 14 September.