Hosts Bangladesh U-19 got off to a winning start in the five-match youth ODI series at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium Friday.
Playing their first international since the Covid-19 pandemic, the young Bangladesh cricketers registered a 16-run victory against the visitors.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to bat first but only three batsmen could flourish in the innings scoring in double figure.
Middle-order batsman Meherob Hasan scored highest 49.
The 57-ball innings was laced with three boundaries and two over boundaries, while opener Prantik Nabil scored 42.
Aich Mollah added 22 to the tally as Bangladesh posted 154 before getting all out in 38.3 overs.
Right-arm pacer Bilal Sami and left-arm spinner Shahidullah Hasani caused the most damage for Afghanistan, picking up four and three wickets respectively.
Defending the target, Bangladesh bowling was on point, making strikes early and then in short intervals.
Afghanistan batters struggled in the middle as the chase choked on 138 in 48.2 overs with opener Suliman Safi making 48, the most in the innings.
Ripon Mondol led the local bowlers with four wickets in 9.2 overs conceding 20 runs.
Ashikur Zaman and Naimur Rahman grabbed two wickets apiece for the winning side.
Bangladesh will face Afghanistan in the second game of the series Sunday at the same venue.
