Bangladesh U-19s beat India U-19s to go top of the table

Sports Correspondent: Bangladesh U-19s have won their second successive match in the tri-nation series, defeating India U-19s by 2 wickets in a rain affected game yesterday, at the Toby Howe Cricket Ground, Billericay, England.

The two successive victories -- after beating England by 7 wickets in the prior match on July 28 -- saw the young Tigers go top of the table after five matches. Each team are set to play eight matches in the tri-series – facing each other four times -- and the top two teams will play the final of the tournament at Hove on August 11.

Skipper Akbar, who remained not out on 49 off just 36 balls, finished the match with a boundary to make the score 219/8 with three balls to spare and put his team on top of the points table with seven points from five matches.

Earlier on the day, he invited India to bat first after winning the toss. Akbar’s counterpart Dhruv Jurel made highest 70 from 66 balls while one-down Pragnesh Durgesh Kanpillewar made a useful 53 to help their side post 221-5 in 36 overs. 

Shoriful Islam bagged two wickets for young Tigers.

Bangladesh were given a target of 218 and despite losing opener Tamzid Hossain for just four his partner Parvez Hossain Emon made 51 and got some help from  Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Towhid Hridoy who struck 20 and 30 respectively batting at number three and four.

But the young Tigers lost few quick wickets and it seemed Akbar was running out of partners. At a stage the equation looked tough as the boys in red and green needed 64 off 42. But the 17-year old BKSP student Akbar, who is hailed from Rangpur, kept his composure and navigated his side home with composure. He struck five fours and two sixes in his match winning innings.

Bangladesh team will face England today at the same venue and a win will secure them a spot in the final that will take place on 11th August at Brighton after all three teams face each other four times.

risingbd/Dhaka/July 30, 2019/Yeasin/AKA