Agency :
Bangladesh U-19 started off with a blistering 154-run win against Nepal U-19 in Asian Cricket Council (ACC) U-19s Asia Cup at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Prantik Nawrose Nabil smashed an unbeaten century and Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the pick of the bowling attack with two wickets in his 7 overs.
Chasing 298 runs, Nepal found themselves in deep trouble 21-2 as the top-order was shattered by paceman Sakib who scalped two wickets during the first powerplay.
Gulsan Jha, top-scored with 35 runs off 28 balls while Bibek Magar (33) and Bibek Yadav (26) played brief innings for Nepal U-19. They continued to lose wickets in quick succession and eventually could gather 143 before getting all out in 42.3 overs, falling short of 154 runs.
Apart from Sakib, SM Meherob, skipper Rakibul Hasan and Naimur Rohman took a couple of wickets each for Bangladesh U-19.
Earlier, Bangladesh opted to bat first after winning the toss. The openers Mahfijul Islam (17) and Iftakher Hossain (21) made a shaky start and the duo muster 39 runs for the opening stand.
Following that Prantik came to the crease and guided the team from the front with Aich Mollah (22) and Mohammad Fahim (58 off 54), who hit a half-century which consisted of 3 fours and equal number sixes. The latter left the field being retired hurt.
Prantik struck 11 fours and a six to score 127 off 112 deliveries and was unbeaten on the crease while Meherob played a knock of 21 of 15.
