Bangladesh Under-19 began their tri-nation youth ODI series in Zimbabwe with a heart-stopping one-wicket win over South Africa on 26 July, thanks to a match-winning all-round performance from Samiun Bashir Ratul.
Chasing a modest 129 on a tricky surface, Bangladesh looked down and out at 109 for 9 in the 27th over. But Samiun held his nerve, crafting an unbeaten 45 off just 39 deliveries to steer his side home in dramatic fashion.
Walking in at 53 for 5, Samiun watched wickets tumble at the other end as Bangladesh slid to 59 for 6. He rebuilt the innings with a 31-run stand alongside Al Fahad, but quick dismissals left Bangladesh on the brink once again. With 20 runs still required and last man Swadhin Islam at the other end, Samiun launched a counterattack.
In the 28th over, he struck two boundaries off Paul James, before smashing a four and a six off Dayalan Boyce to level the scores. A calm push through the covers sealed victory with a single, sparking wild celebrations.
Samiun’s knock – the highest score of his U-19 ODI career so far – included 7 fours and a six. Earlier, Jawad Abrar’s explosive 20 off 9 deliveries had given Bangladesh a brisk start, but a collapse soon followed once Abrar fell to Bayanda Mazola.
With the ball, Bangladesh were equally impressive. South Africa were bowled out for 128 in 34.4 overs, with left-arm pacer Al Fahad claiming 4 for 32 in 10 overs. Samiun also contributed with the ball, returning 2 for 17 with his left-arm spin. Swadhin Islam and Ratul’s pace spells were key in restricting the South Africans, as the bowlers laid the groundwork for the thrilling win.
Despite the seemingly straightforward target, Bangladesh lost wickets in clusters. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim and his team, however, held their composure in the crunch moments to take an early lead in the tri-nation series.
The tournament features Bangladesh, South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice. The top two sides will contest the final.