Bangladesh Under-19 started their ACC Asia Cup campaign on a high, defeating Afghanistan by 45 runs in the opening match at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.
Despite a shaky start, Bangladesh posted a competitive 228 runs on the board, thanks to a stellar captain’s knock by Tamim and a solid partnership with opener Kalam Siddique. The pair added a crucial 142-run stand after an early setback when opener Jawad Abrar was dismissed for a duck.
Tamim played a captain’s innings, smashing an elegant 103 off 132 balls, featuring eight boundaries and four sixes. Siddique complemented him with a steady 66 off 110 deliveries, anchoring the innings before being dismissed at 145. However, Bangladesh's middle and lower order faltered, managing only minor contributions.
Abdul Aziz, Nooristani Omarzai, and Khateer Stanikzai led Afghanistan’s bowling with two wickets each, while Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar picked up one.
In reply, Afghanistan’s chase of 229 was off to a cautious start but faltered under the disciplined Bangladeshi bowling attack. Opener Uzair Khan managed only eight runs, and fellow opener Mahbub Khan contributed 16 before both fell cheaply.
Middle-order batsmen Faisal Khan and Nasir Khan resisted with a 50-run partnership. Faisal’s impressive 58 off 89 balls was the highlight of Afghanistan’s innings, supported by Nasir’s 34 off 60. However, once the duo departed, the Afghan batting lineup crumbled under pressure, managing only 183 runs in 47.5 overs.
For Bangladesh, Al Fahad and Iqbal Hossain were the stars with the ball, claiming three wickets each. Maruf Mridha chipped in with two wickets, while Rafi and the fielding unit contributed to Afghanistan's downfall with sharp efforts, including a crucial run-out.
Bangladesh’s commanding performance with both bat and ball sets a strong tone for their campaign in the tournament. The Junior Tigers will look to build on this momentum as they eye the Asia Cup trophy.
