Despite a superb bowling display by the bowlers Bangladesh U-19s suffered a 56-run defeat to Afghanistan U-19 team in their first warm-up match for the ICC Under 19 World Cup held on Monday at Christs College, Christchurch.
Afghan bowlers Naveen-ul-Haq and Qais Ahmed produced a fierce bowling display saw Bangladesh cheaply dismissed for 150, despite a good start to chase of Afghanistan’s 206.
The junior Tigers were well on course for victory after Pinak Ghosh and skipper Saif Hasan built a solid platform following Nayeem Hasan’s departure in the third over of the innings, out bowled off a Naveen delivery.
Pinak composed 56-ball 54 while Saif added a 74-ball 43 but once Pinak fell in the 18th over with the score on 92 for two, Bangladesh faced wobble and dramatically suffered innings collapsed.
Bangladesh lost their remaining eight wickets for only 58 runs as leg-spinner Qais and medium pacer Naveen shared three wickets each. Naveen removed skipper Saif in the 33rd over and none of the other batsmen were able to arrest the Tigers’ innings from crumbling as they bundled out for 150.
Earlier, Afghanistan managed to score decent total of 206 on the board courtesy of a brilliant knock of 66-ball 81 from Azmatullah Omarzai after Bangladesh won the toss and put Afghanistan to bat first.
Medium pacer Hasan Mahmud was the pick of the Tigers’ bowlers taking four wickets for 46 runs. He was well supported by Robiul Haque who claimed three wickets but was on the expensive side with 56 runs conceded in 9.2 overs. Besides, Tipu Sultan took two wickets for 36 runs.
Bangladesh will play their second warm-up match scheduled to be held on Wednesday (January 10).
