Rizan heroics fire Bangladesh U19s to tri-nation title

Inspired by an outstanding all-round display from 18-year-old Rizan Hossan, Bangladesh Under-19s clinched the tri-nation title in Harare with a 33-run win over South Africa.

Asked to bat first on Sunday, the young Tigers posted 269 for 5 in 50 overs, anchored by a 117-run fourth-wicket partnership between Kalam Siddiki (65) and Rizan (95).

Openers Rifat Beg (16) and Zawad Abrar (21) laid a solid foundation with a 41-run stand before falling in quick succession, leaving the Asian side at 65 for 3 after 18.1 overs.

Siddiki and Rizan then rebuilt the innings with composed batting, accelerating against the Proteas bowlers.

South Africa’s chase began strongly with a 59-run opening stand between Adnaan Lagadien (40) and Jorich Van Schalkwyk (19).

Al Fahad (3-50), however, turned the tide, dismissing both openers.

Despite contributions from skipper Muhammed Bulbulia (31) and Jason Rowles (35), South Africa batters faltered against the spinners.

Rizan (5-34) delivered the decisive blow, claiming a five-wicket haul to bowl the African side out for 236.

Rizan’s match-defining performance with bat and ball earned him Player of the Match honours, capping a dominant campaign for Bangladesh.