Bangladesh under-19 team lived up to their top billing as they dump visiting Afghanistan U-19 side by an overwhelming margin of 145 runs in the first of the five-match ODI series tie between Bangladesh Youth and Afghan Youth held on Thursday at Sylhet National Stadium.
Afghanistan after winning the toss decided to field first. Initially it looked to be a good ploy as Bangladesh U-19 were never in comfortable as wickets fell at regular interval and finally they were restricted to 222 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs.
The highlight of Bangladesh innings was the Towhid Hridoy’s brilliant 52 off 85 balls with 4 boundaries. He was followed by Mainul Islam with 39, Kazi Anik with 27, Pinaki Ghosh with 23, Saif Hassan with 20, Atif Hossain 19 and Robiul Haque with 18 were the notable Bangladesh U-19 batsmen.
Mujeeb was the leading Afghan bowler with 4 for 22 and he was well supported by Tariq Stanikzai with 2 for 17.
In reply thanks to a brilliant spell by Kazi Anik to sent Afghanistan bundled out for a paltry 77 runs in 34.2 overs, only Tariq Stanikzai with 16 and Nisar Wahdat with 10 were the two Afghan batsmen to reach double figure marks.
Kazi Anik, the man of the match for his brilliant bowling spell as he claimed 4 wickets for 27 and was well supported by Nayeem Hasan 3 for 11.
The second ODi will be played on September 30 at the same venue.
