Harare: Rizan Hossain delivered a commanding all-round performance as the Bangladesh Under-19 team secured the tri-nation series trophy, defeating South Africa Under-19 by 33 runs in the final at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh youngsters posted a score of 269-5, largely due to a dynamic 96-ball 95 from middle-order batter Rizan Hossain. Rizan also excelled in bowling, claiming 5-34 in 8.4 overs, leading to South Africa’s dismissal for 236 in 48.4 overs.
Pacer Al Fahad contributed with figures of 3-50, while Shadhin Islam took 2-34, supporting Rizan in dismantling the South African batting lineup. Rizan struck 10 fours in his innings, crucially guiding Bangladesh past the 250-run mark after a top-order collapse left them at 65-3, having been asked to bat first.
Kalam Siddiki provided substantial support with a score of 65, partnering with Rizan in a 117-run fourth-wicket stand that stabilized the innings. The partnership was eventually broken by Ban
dile Mbatha, who took two wickets for 50 runs for South Africa by dismissing Kalam.
Rizan, on the brink of a century, was run out, but Abdullah’s quickfire 29-ball 38 not out ensured a strong finish for Bangladesh. South Africa began their chase strongly, with openers Jorich Van Schalwyk and Adnaan Lagadien adding 59 runs. Lagadien was particularly aggressive, scoring 40 off 31 balls.
Al Fahad’s intervention, dismissing both openers, helped Bangladesh regain control. Rizan Hossain further tilted the match in Bangladesh’s favor by removing South African captain Muhammad Bulbulia, who scored 31, and Armaan Manack for 8. Despite a resilient stand from Ntando Soni and Bandile Mbatha, Rizan dismissed them both, bringing Bangladesh closer to victory. Soni scored 32 off 34 balls, while Mbatha contributed 29 runs.
Rizan completed his five-wicket haul and sealed the match by bowling Bayanda Majola for a duck, concluding South Africa’s innings. Zimbabwe, the third team in the tri-nation tournament, failed to secure
a win, losing all six of their group matches.