Bangladesh thump Nepal in U19 Asia Cup

SHARJAH: Bangladesh’s Prantik Nawrose Nabil scored a magnificent century before their bowlers annihilated Nepal’s batting line-up; dismissing them for a paltry 143, in the fourth match of the ongoing Under-19 Asia Cup.

Batting first, Bangladesh’s openers provided a decent start to the team; posting a fair 39-runs opening partnership, before Mahfijul Islam dismissed after scoring 17, he faced 33 balls and hit two boundaries. His opening partner, Iftakher Hossain was looking solid but fell unlucky, as the batter got run-out after scoring 21.

Nabil then took the responsibility and played a sensational inning, he recorded a decent partnership with Aich Mollah, but, Mollah’s stay remained brief on the crease.

The wicket-keeper batter, Md Fahim then joined Nabil, the pair recorded a magnificent 179-runs partnership and put their side onto the driving seat. Fahim scored a brilliant half-century; scoring 58 off 54 balls, including three boundaries and as many sixes.

Nabil, on the other hand, was on another level, the batter went on to smash a terrific century, he scored an unbeaten 127 off 112 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and a six.

His heroics helped Bangladesh to amass a massive total of 297 in the allotted 50 overs.

For Nepal, Gulshan Jha, Tilak Bhandari, and Mohammad Aadil Alam shared one wicket apiece.

Chasing 298, Nepal’s batters struggled throughout the innings; losing half of their side for just 76 runs. Soon after, Bibek Magar, who was fighting hard for his side also departed. He scored an anchored 33 off 60 balls; hitting four boundaries.

With the side struggling at 81/6, Bibek Yadav and Jha looked to neutralize the situation, the pair added a valuable 60-runs to the team’s total. The duo looked solid; scoring runs at a decent pace, in contrast to their precedes who were a touch too slow.

Yadav’s dismissal sparked an unwanted collapse, and, in the end, the side, bundled out for a skimpy 143; losing the match by 154 runs. Yadav scored 26 off 34 balls, followed by their top-scorer, Jha, who scored 35 off just 28 balls, laced with four boundaries and a six.

For Bangladesh, Naimur Rohman, SM Meherob, Rakibul Hasan, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib each claimed two wickets.

READ: Pakistan stun Afghanistan in U19 Asia Cup