Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby-led Bangladesh created history as they won their first Under-19 Asia Cup title beating United Arab Emirates (UAE) by a massive margin of 195 runs at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on December 17.
UAE skipper Aayan Afzal Khan won the toss and opted to bowl first. In the fifth over, Omid Rahman dismissed Jishan Alam for a single-digit score. Opener Ashiqur Rahman Shibli and Chowdhury Md Rizwan took control of the innings and shared a 125-run partnership for the second wicket. Dhruv Parashar broke the partnership in the 31st over. Rizwan scored 60 runs from 71 balls including four fours and a six.
As the slog overs over approach, Shibli shifted gears. Ariful Islam hit a few boundaries as well. Shibli reached his century from 129 balls in the 42nd over. In the next over, Islam completed his half-century from just 39 balls. Ayman Ahamed broke the partnership in the 44th over. His 40-ball 50 featured six boundaries. In the next three overs, two more wickets fell.
Skipper Rabby attacked and contributed with an 11-ball 21 cameo before losing his wicket to Ahamed. In the same over, Shibli and Rohanat Doullah Borson were dismissed as well. Shibli departed after scoring 129 runs from 149 balls including 12 fours and a six. His knock helped Bangladesh post a fighting total of 282/8.
In the run chase of 283, Aryansh Sharma failed to get his side off to a good start. Maruf Mridha dismissed him in the fifth over. In his next over, Akshat Rai was bowled. UAE suffered a collapse as they lost four wickets for 39 runs. Rohanat Doullah Borson struck twice with the new ball. Borson then dismissed Aayan as UAE lost half their side for 45 runs in 12 overs.
In the 15th over, Md Iqbal Hasan Emon struck twice to dismiss Yayin Rai and Ammar Badami. No batter could make a mark apart from Parashar who remained not out for 25 off 40 balls. UAE were bowled out for 87 in 24.5 overs. Mridha and Borson got three wickets each whereas Emmon and Parvez Rahman Jibon had two scalps each to win the final for their side by 195 runs.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
