Bangladesh Under-19s suffered a crushing 113-run defeat against Afghanistan Under-19s in their opening fixture of the Youth Asia Cup at Al Amerat in Oman. Despite a disciplined effort from the bowlers to keep the opposition within a manageable target, a severe top-order batting collapse proved fatal for the young Tigers.
Chasing a target of 232 runs, Farhad Hasan’s side faltered right from the outset. Afghanistan’s potent pace and spin attack dismantled Bangladesh’s top and middle order, reducing the batting lineup to five wickets down before the conclusion of the powerplay. The situation worsened when Rakibul Hossain departed in the 11th over, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 41 for 6 and effectively ending their chances of a comeback.
A 55-run partnership for the seventh wicket between SK Jarif Siam and Robiul Hasan Onik offered brief resistance amidst the crisis. Siam scored a patient 41 off 58 deliveries, whilst Onik contributed 33 off 47 balls. Later in the innings, pace-all-rounder Rubaid Islam Rizon provided a late flurry, striking a quickfire 21 off just 14 balls to reduce the margin of defeat. However, Bangladesh were eventually bundled out for a paltry 118 runs. Amir Hamza, Noor Ali Niyazai, and Samiullah Mubariz spearheaded the Afghan bowling attack, taking three wickets apiece.
Earlier in the day, Afghanistan opted to bat first after winning the toss, building a competitive total on the back of a composed knock from Shah Faisal Rahimi. Rahimi anchored the innings with a brilliant 83 off 97 balls, sharing a crucial 61-run fifth-wicket partnership with Tahir Sarwari, who added 37. Useful lower-order contributions pushed Afghanistan to 231 for 9 in their allocated 50 overs.
Pacer Tafiul Alam Tamim stood out for Bangladesh, taking four wickets on a memorable debut appearance. Robiul Hasan Onik picked up two wickets, while Rubaid Islam Rizon and Sheikh Atikur Rahman chipped in with one apiece. The young Tigers will look to put this heavy setback behind them when they face Sri Lanka at the same venue on Saturday.
