Junior Afghanistan hand Tigers heavy opening defeat

Bangladesh’s Under-19 side endured a disappointing start to their Asia Cup campaign, suffering a 113-run defeat against Afghanistan in their opening match at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman.

The setback came just days after the two sides had drawn their four-match bilateral ODI series 2-2. However, Hannan Sarkar’s charges struggled in both departments against the same opponents on the continental stage.

Asked to bowl first, Bangladesh made an encouraging start, reducing Afghanistan to 58-4 and raising hopes of restricting them to a modest total. However, fifth- and sixth-wicket partnerships of 59 and 42 runs helped Afghanistan recover before they were bowled out for 231 in 49 overs.

Middle-order batter Shah Faisal Rahimi was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 83 off 97 deliveries. For Bangladesh, Tafiul Alam Tamim claimed four wickets for 41 runs.

In reply, Bangladesh lost their way from the outset, slipping to 41-6 and effectively ending their hopes of chasing down the 232-run target. A 45-run seventh-wicket stand offered some resistance, but the damage had already been done.

Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 118 in 25.5 overs. Jarif Siyam top-scored with 41, while Robiul Islam Anik contributed 33.

Afghanistan’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Noor Ali Niazi, Amir Hamza and Sami Mubarez taking three wickets each. Niazi conceded 29 runs, Hamza 23 and Mubarez just 11.

The junior Tigers will face Sri Lanka in their next Group B match on 7 November. A victory will be crucial if they are to keep their semi-final hopes alive.