Saif hammers 48-ball 84 as Bangladesh U-19 thrash Namibia

Captain Saif Hasan blasted a 48-ball 84 as Bangladesh U-19 began their U-19 World Cup Cricket campaign with a 87-run win over Namibia U-19 in Lincoln, New Zealand Saturday. Bangladesh were asked to bat first in the match that was reduced to 20-overs per side due to rain. The junior Tigers posted a commanding 190 for the loss of four wickets in their 20 overs, Saif top-scoring with 84, featuring three fours and five sixes. Saif was well supported by opener Mohammad Naim, who struck a 43-ball 60, composed with eight boundaries and a sixer.

REPORT: On the opening day of the #U19CWC Bangladesh cruised to an 87 run victory over Namibia thanks to half-centuries from Mohammad Naim and Saif Hassan! https://t.co/K0rwJDeOel #BANvNAM pic.twitter.com/5D0LezaaK6

— ICC (@ICC) January 13, 2018

Together, the second wicket partnership of Naim and Saif added 97 runs. In reply, Namibia were restricted to 103 for six wickets in their 20 overs, middle-order batsman Eben van Wyk scoring the highest 55 off 52 deliveries. Bangladesh opening bowlers Qazi Onik and Hasan Mahmud bagged two wickets apiece. The youngsters in red and green will face Canada and England Monday and Thursday respectively to round off their group stage campaign.

Wishing all the participating nations, the best of luck for the #U19CWC. A platform that helps a player be recognized & build his career. A stage to showcase the talent & let the world know that you are the next superstar & the one to look out for. This is where boys become men. pic.twitter.com/Ei89vLflsf

— Suresh Raina (@ImRaina) January 13, 2018

BRIEF SCORENamibia U-19 103/6 (Van Wyk 55, Hasan 2/12) lost to Bangladesh U-19 190/4 (Saif 84, Naim 60) by 87 runs