Bangladesh U-19 Batting Collapses as Afghanistan Draw Level in the Series

Despite losing three quick wickets, Bangladesh’s U-19 team had briefly regained control of the match through an impressive partnership between Kalam Siddique and Rizwan Hossain. The pair had put together a 93-run stand, guiding their side closer to victory.

However, the collapse came swiftly once this partnership was broken. The Bangladesh U-19 batsmen struggled against Afghanistan’s spinners, Zaitullah Shahin and Uzairullah Niazai. Within just 35 runs, Bangladesh lost their final seven wickets, eventually being bowled out for 173, falling short by 102 runs to hand Afghanistan a dominant victory.

At the Rajshahi Divisional Stadium today, Afghanistan’s U-19 team won the toss and posted a challenging total of 275/7 in 50 overs. Faisal Khan was the star with the bat, scoring a century, while captain Mahbub Khan remained unbeaten on 68 runs. In reply, Bangladesh’s U-19 side could only muster 173 all out in 37.2 overs, despite Kalam’s valiant 71 and Rizwan’s 52.

This victory sees Afghanistan level the 5-match series at 1-1. The first match of the series in Bogura had also seen a collapse from Bangladesh, who were bowled out cheaply after losing early wickets. In that match, opener Rifat Beg was dismissed for a duck, and captain Azizul Hakim managed just 9 runs. Another opener, Zawad Abrar, made 25 off 24 balls but couldn’t build on his start, all three wickets falling to Afghan pacer Wahidullah Zadran.

When Kalam and Rizwan put on their 93-run stand, there was hope that Bangladesh could chase down the target. Kalam had scored a century in the first ODI, and Rizwan had played an unbeaten knock of 75 in the same game, leading them to victory. Unfortunately, neither could finish the job today.

Once the partnership was broken, the Bangladesh middle order crumbled under the spin attack. Zaitullah Shahin and Uzairullah Niazai’s spin wreaked havoc, with Bangladesh’s last six batsmen failing to reach double figures (2, 0, 8, 1, 2, 0). Al Fahad was forced to leave the field due to injury, adding to the woes.

Kalam remained at the crease for a while, offering faint hope, but was dismissed for 71. With his departure, Afghanistan’s victory seemed inevitable, and soon after, Zaitullah sealed the win by trapping the last batter, Iqbal Hossain, LBW.

Faisal Khan was named Player of the Match for his century.

The final two matches of the series will be held in Rajshahi on Friday and Sunday.

Summary Scorecard:

Result: Afghanistan U-19 won by 102 runs.

Series: 5-match series now level at 1-1.