Loss in Rajshahi costs Young Tigers series

Bangladesh Men’s Under-19 Cricket Team lost their five-match One-Day series to Pakistan as they face defeat in the fourth match of the series by eight wickets at the Shahid Kamruzzaman Stadium in Rajshahi on Saturday. Pakistan have now taken an unassailable 3-1 lead.

Bangladesh, being sent to bat first, were bowled out for 199 within the 47th over courtesy of brilliant performances from the Pakistani pacers.

After an early batting collapse in their innings, Ariful Islam brought Bangladesh back into the game as he slowed the Pakistani bowlers’ momentum down playing a very slow innings. He led the hosts’ innings scoring 50 off 95 balls. Mahfuzur Rahman Raaby and Parvez Rahman Jibon scored 34 and 30 respectively. Skipper Ahrar Amin scored another 27.

Pakistan’s right-arm medium pacer Aimal Khan and Ali Asfand bagged three wickets each while Arafat Minhas took two. Muhammad Ismail and Amir Hassan split the rest in two.

Coming to chase Bangladesh’s 200, Pakistan reached the target with eight wickets and 79 balls to spare to make the series to their name depending on Shahzaib Khan’s brilliant century.

Azam Awais scored 52 to give Shahzaib enough support. The duo put together a 152-run opening partnership and made sure Bangladesh had no chance of coming back from there. Skipper Saad Baig scored another 29.

Rafiuzzaman Rafi and Rabby took a wicket each for Bangladesh.