Bangladesh A team confirmed the semi-final of the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Cup after beating Afghanistan A side by 21 runs in their do-or-die game at P Sara Oval in Colombo Tuesday.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy led from the front with a brilliant 100 off 114 balls, studded with a dozen fours and a couple of sixes.
Thanks to Joy's century and contribution from others, Bangladesh posted a big total of 308/7 after electing to bat first.
Afghanistan fought valiantly before eventually putting up 287/8.
Bangladesh earlier lost their first game to Sri Lanka A team by 48 runs before coming back strongly to crush Oman A side by eight wickets.
As per net run rate, the Tigers also had the edge.
Apart from Joy, another youngster Zakir Hasan chipped in with 62 while Soumya Sarkar made a 42-ball 48 to propel the side past the 300-run mark.
Mohammad Saleem took 4/65 for Afghanistan.
Pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib continued his rich vein of from, claiming 3/67 but Afghanistan had started well in pursuit of the target.
Rakibul Hasan and Soumya Sarkar provided able support for Tanzim as Afghanistan ultimately fell 21 short of the target.
While Bangladesh qualified as group runners-up, Sri Lanka advanced as pool champions after their convincing victory over Oman.
The other group comprises India A, Pakistan A, the United Arab Emirates A side and Nepal.
Sub-continent giants India and Pakistan have already confirmed their semi-final berths after winning the first two round of matches.
Nepal and the UAE are winless.
The youngsters in red and green will take on the Group B champion in the last four while the Lankans will face the pool runners-up.
9TH MATCH
Bangladesh A 308/7 (Joy 100, Zakir 62) beat Afghanistan A 287/8 (Riaz 78, Tanzim 3/67) by 21 runs
