Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh Under-19 Cricket team became the champions in the Group-B of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-19 Asia Cup after defeating Sri Lanka Under-19 Cricket team by 39 runs in their last Group-B match at Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday.
Bangladesh Youth team gained six points playing three Group-B matches, while Sri Lanka Youth team earned four points from as many matches. Both teams confirmed their semi-final berths.
Sent into bat first, Bangladesh piled up a fighting total of 225 in 46.3 overs and then all out Sri Lanka for 186 off 49.1 overs.
Bangladesh had a solid start as the two openers Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg put on together 84 runs in the opening stand before Zawad Abrar was dismissed by Rasith Nimsara. Zawad Abrar was deprived for a half-century for just one run. He hit a superb 49 from 36 balls including four sixes and four fours.
Rifat Beg made 36 from 48 deliveries featuring three fours before he was dismissed by Nimsara when Bangladesh’s score was 103 for the loss of two wickets.
After Rifat Beg’s dismissal, Azizul Hakim arrived at the crease. He scored 29 from 48 deliveries including two fours before he was bowled out by Viran Chamuditha when Bangladesh’s score was 156 for the loss of three wickets.
After Azixul Hakim’s dismissal, Bangladesh failed to make any notable partnership.
Kalim Siddiki notched up 32 from 60 deliveries with one four and one six.
Farid Hasan scored 29 using 40 balls including two sixes and one four.
Kavija Gamage captured four wickets in the space of 38 runs, while Chamuditha and Nimsra got two wickets each conceding 19 and 57 runs respectively.
Later, Chamika Heenatigala and Adham Hilmy fought back against the spectacular bowling attack of Bangladeshi bowling attack.
Chamika made 41 off 67 balls with one four, while Adham hit 38-ball 39 with three fours and a six.
Iqbal Hossain Emon grabbed three wickets at the cost of 37 runs. Earlier, Iqbal Hossain Emon hit 12 runs capitalizing six balls with two sixes. He was adjudged the Player of the Match.
Shahriar Ahmed captured three wickets instead of 27 runs, while Samiun Basir bagged two wickets in lieu of 27 runs.
Azizul Hakim and Saad Islam took one wicket each for 31 and 45 runs respectively.
