Opener Jawad Abrar struck a brilliant 96 as Bangladesh Under-19 made a winning start to the Under-19 Asia Cup, registering a three-wicket victory over Afghanistan at the ICC Cricket Stadium in Dubai today.
Electing to bat first, Afghanistan posted a competitive 283 for 7, powered by a fluent century from Faisal Shinozada, who smashed 103 off 94 balls, laced with eight fours and four sixes.
Abrar, whose innings featured nine fours and six sixes, played a pivotal role in Bangladesh’s successful chase as they reached the target with seven balls to spare.
Despite the narrow margin, Bangladesh remained in control for most of the contest before losing a flurry of wickets towards the end.
Abrar and fellow opener Rifat Beg laid the foundation with a commanding 151-run opening stand that virtually took the game away from Afghanistan.
Rifat scored 62 off 68 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes, before being dismissed by Ruhullah Arab. Abrar soon followed, falling to the same bowler just four runs short of a well-deserved century.
Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim then steadied the innings with a 47 off 48 balls as Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals.
When Hakim was dismissed, Bangladesh appeared to be in some trouble, but Rizan Hossain held his nerve to guide the team home with an unbeaten 17, despite a late hiccup.
For Bangladesh, Iqbal Hossain Emon and Shahriar Ahmed claimed two wickets apiece.
Afghanistan’s innings revolved around Faisal, who dominated the Bangladesh bowling attack after opener Khalid Ahmadzai was dismissed cheaply.
He added 93 runs for the third wicket with Uzairullah Niazai, who scored 44, to lay a solid platform. Azizullah Miakhil provided the finishing touch with an unbeaten 38 to help Afghanistan post a challenging total.
Bangladesh will face Nepal in their second group-stage match on Monday.
