Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh (BD) Emerging Cricket team beat South Africa (SA) Emerging Cricket team by three wickets in the first one-day at Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Monday.
Chasing South Africa’s 301 for the loss of eight wickets in the allotted 50 overs, Bangladesh reached the winning target making 302 for the loss of seven wickets when they had just two balls to spare.
Bangladesh had a solid start with two openers Mofijul Islam and Jishan Alam put on together 52 runs in the opening stand before Jishan Alam (31) was dismissed by Andile Mokgakane.
After Jishan Alam’s dismissal, Mofijul Islam and Pritom Kumar added together 39 runs for the second wicket partnership before Pritom Kumar (17) was dismissed by George Van Heerden when Bangladesh’s total was 92 for the loss of two wickets.
After Protom Kumar’s departure, Mofijul Islam and Ariful Islam contributed together 81 runs in the third wicket stand before Mofijul Islam was dismissed by Mokgakane when Bangladesh’s score was 172 for the loss of three wickets.
Mofijul Islam notched up a superb 87. His 89-ball innings was laced with eight fours and two sixes. Mofijul Islam was adjudged the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance.
Ariful Islam made 36 from 68 deliveries including two fours.
Akbar Ali hit a captain’s knock of 41. His quick-fire 24-ball innings had four fours and two sixes.
Later, Tofael Ahmed and Rakibul Hasan guided their team to reach the winning spot contributing together 39 runs for the unbroken eighth wicket partnership.
Tofael Ahmed remained unbeaten with 24 runs, while Rakibul Hasan remained unbeaten with 24 runs.
Mokgakane, George Van Heerden and Tsepo Ndwandwa picked up two wickets each conceding 41, 51 and 58 runs respectively.
Ripon Mondol was the highest wickettaker of Bangladesh. He captured three wickets in the space of 84 runs, while Azhar Amin claimed two wickets in lieu of 51 runs.
Besides, Tofael Ahmed took one wicket.
