Junior Tigers’ WC hopes dashed

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladesh Under-19 crashed out of the ICC Under-19 World Cup as England Under-19 cruised to a commanding seven-wicket victory in the Super Sixes at Bulawayo on Monday. 

Fighting for survival, the young Tigers were bundled out for 136 in 38.1 overs after choosing to bat first. England then clinicaly wrapped up the chase with 155 balls to spare and seven wickets in hand.

The defeat sealed Bangladesh’s exit from the tournament, turning their final Super Six encounter against Zimbabwe on 31 January into a dead rubber.

England faced a slightly shaky start during their pursuit. Joseph Moores departed cheaply before Al Fahad removed the second opener to briefly apply pressure.

However, any hopes of a Bangladeshi comeback were dashed by Thomas Rew and Ben Dawkins. The pair stitched together a decisive 77-run partnership to seize control of the innings. While Dawkins eventually fell for 27 with England on the brink of victory, Rew finished the job in style, remaining unbeaten on 59 from 50 balls. Caleb Falconer stayed not out on nine to see his side home. 

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings failed to find any real momentum. Aside from a 46-run second-wicket stand between Rifat Beg and skipper Azizul Hakim, wickets tumbled at regular intervals. 

The lower order collapsed dramatically, with the final six wickets falling for just 46 runs. Rifat top-scored with 31, while wicketkeeper Md Abdullah contributed 25 and Azizul managed 20.

Sebastian Morgan spearheaded the English bowling attack with figures of 3 for 28, supported by two wickets apiece from Ralphie Albert and Manny Lumsden. Al Fahad was the pick of the Bangladeshi bowlers, claiming two scalps in a losing cause.

BP/SP