Sports Reporter :
Bangladesh Under-19 Cricket team stormed into the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup defeating their counterpart New Zealand Under-19 Cricket team by six wickets in the second semi-final at Pochefstroom in South Africa on Thursday.
Chasing New Zealand’s total of 211 for the loss of eight wickets in 50 overs, Bangladesh sailed home making 215 for the loss of four wickets when they had 35 balls to spare.
Bangladesh will take on India in the final on February 9. The gala final match begins at 2.00 PM BST (Bangladesh Standard Time).
Bangladesh had a shaky start as they lost their two openers for 32 runs.
Then Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Towhid Hridoy repaired the early damage contributing together 68 runs for the third wicket partnership before Towhid Hridoy was stumped out by wicketkeeper Quinn Sunde off Adithya Ashok when Bangladesh’s score was 100 for the loss of three wickets.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy hit a terrific 100. He struck 13 fours in his 127-ball innings. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was adjudged the Man of the Match for his match-winning innings.
Towhid Hridoy hit a fine 40. His 47-ball innings had four fours.
After Hridoy’s dismissal, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shahadat Hossain contributing together 101 runs for the fourth wicket partnership before Mahmudul Hasan Joy was caught & bowled by Jesse Tashkoff when Bangladesh’s total was 201 for the loss of four wickets.
Shahadat Hossain remained unbeaten with 40. His 51-ball innings was belted with four fours.
DB Hancock, KDC Clarke, Adithya Ashok and Jesse Tashkoff took one wicket each conceding 31, 37, 44 and 57 runs respectively.
Earlier, B Wheeler-Greenall of New Zealand shone with the willow. He remained unbeaten with 75. His 83-ball innings was studded with five fours and two sixes.
Nicholas Lidstone hit a polished 44. He hit two fours in his 74-ball knock.
Besides, Fergus Lellman, OJ White and JFA Field added 24, 18 and 12 runs to the New Zealand’s total.
Shoriful Islam captured three wickets at the cost of 45 runs, while Shamim Hossain and Hasan Murad bagged two wickets each instead of 31 and 34 runs respectively.
Besides, Rakibul Hasan took one wicket for 35 runs.
