Bangladesh U-19s crush Zimbabwe to seal tri-nation final berth against South Africa

Bangladesh Under-19s delivered a fiery bowling display to thrash hosts Zimbabwe by 8 wickets, with a staggering 209 balls to spare, in their fourth match of the tri-nation tournament to secure a place in the final alongside South Africa.

Opting to bowl first on Friday in Harare, the Young Tigers dismantled the Zimbabwean batting order, thanks largely to Iqbal Hossain Emon’s impressive spell of 4 for 27.

The hosts were skittled out for just 89 runs in 22 overs in the ODI clash.

Sanjid Mozumder (2-26) and Shadhin Islam (2-1) picked up two wickets apiece. Shadhin bowled just one over, Zimbabwe’s final over, snapping up two quick scalps.

Md Rafi Uzzaman Rafi (1-23) and Rizan Hossan (1-12) also chipped in to round off a superb bowling effort.

Only four Zimbabwean batters reached double figures, with opener Nathaniel Hlabangana top-scoring with 26.

In reply, Bangladesh chased down the target in just 15 overs.

Captain Azizul Haque anchored the innings with an unbeaten 49 off 47 balls, guiding his side home with ease.

The win confirms Bangladesh’s spot in the final against South Africa. Both teams have two matches remaining in the round-robin phase.

Bangladesh’s next fixture is against South Africa on Wednesday, Aug 6, at the same venue, while the final will be played on Aug 10.