A disciplined performance from the Bangladesh under-19 bowlers enabled the home side to register a comfortable five-wicket win against defending u-19 world champions South Africa in the first youth ODI at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium yesterday.
Batting first, the tourists were only able to post 160/8 from their 50 overs. Later, Bangladesh strolled to victory in 44 overs with five wickets in hand.
Led admirably by Saleh Ahmed (2/22) and Sanjit Saha (2/25), the hosts initiated breakthroughs at regular intervals. With the exception of skipper Nazmul Hossain, all the Bangladesh bowlers picked up at least a wicket to go with their impressive economy rates.
Top-order batsman Tony de Zorzi chipped in with 35 while lower-order batsman Dayyaan Galiem scored the highest 38 to give their team some sort of total to defend.
In reply, the junior Tigers chased down the relatively small target with ease. Opener Pinak Ghosh played 65 balls for his 39 while Nazmul remained unbeaten on the same score from 69 deliveries as the junior Tigers began the seven-match youth ODI series with a comprehensive victory.
Junior Proteas left-arm spinner Sean Whitehead’s 4/26 went in vain as he lacked support from the other end.
The second youth ODI will be played at the same venue tomorrow.