On December 13, the ICC Academy in Dubai hosted a thrilling Group B match of the Men’s U19 Asia Cup. Bangladesh’s openers Rifat Beg and Zawad Abrar both snatched half‑centuries, steering their team to a three‑wicket victory over Afghanistan.
Afghanistan had begun with a solid 283 for 7 after a strong century from Faisal Shinozda, who finished on 103 off 94 balls, dotted with eight fours and four sixes. He forged a 66‑run partnership with Osman Sadat and an 89‑run partnership with Uzairullah Niazai to get the score past 200. A late push from Azizullah Miakhil (38) and Abdul Aziz (26), who added an unbroken 58 in 28 balls, lifted the total to 283, but it proved insufficient.
Bangladesh chased the target confidently until a sudden burst of wickets—four dismissals in four overs—bore a brief hope for the hosts. From a solid position of 236 for 2 with only 48 runs needed from 45 balls and eight wickets in hand, the chase hit a wobble. Rizan Hossan’s composed 17 not out in the final overs steadied the innings, guiding Bangladesh to the target with seven balls left. The 151‑run opening stand between Abrar and Beg was a key contribution to the win.
Beg was dismissed for 62 in the 27th over, while Abrar narrowly missed a century, falling just short of 100 for 96 at the hands of Roohullah Arab. Bangladesh’s captain, Azizul Hakim, and Kalam Siddiki added a steady 66 for the third wicket, but the middle order’s shaky moments threatened to destabilise the chase. Hossan’s calm finish delivered the crucial wickets that completed the run chase in 48.5 overs.
Summary of scores
- Afghanistan U19 – 283 for 7 (50 overs)
Faisal Shinozda 103, Uzairullah Niazai 44; Shahriar Ahmed 2‑43, Iqbal Hossain Emon 2‑63 - Bangladesh U19 – 284 for 7 (48.5 overs)
Zawad Abrar 96, Rifat Beg 62; Khatir Stanikzai 2‑46, Roohullah Arab 2‑48
Bangladesh clinched the match by three wickets.
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