Dubai: Opener Jawad Abrar hit a 96-run knock as Bangladesh Under-19 team made a winning start to the Under-19 Asia Cup with a three-wicket victory over Afghanistan at ICC Cricket Stadium in Dubai today. Electing to bat first, Afghanistan youngsters posted a respectable 283-7, riding on a century of Faisal Shinozada, who scored 103 from 94 balls, with eight fours and four sixes.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Abrar's innings, which included nine fours and six sixes, was instrumental in chasing the challenging total as Bangladesh cruised to victory with seven balls to spare. Although the margin of victory was narrow, Bangladesh dominated the game before losing a flurry of wickets when they closed in on a victory.
Abrar and his fellow opener Rifat Beg shared a 151-run stand to effectively take the game away from Afghanistan. Rifat Beg scored 62 off 68 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes before being dismissed by Ruhullah Arab. Soon after, Abrar also fell to the same bowler, missing out on his ton by four runs.
Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim led the charge with a 47-run innings from 48 balls as Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. When Hakim was dismissed, Bangladesh appeared to be in danger, but Rizan Hossain, with 17 not out, guided the side home despite a late hiccup.
For Bangladesh, Iqbal Hossain Emon and Shahriar Ahmed picked up two wickets each. Afghanistan's innings was crafted by Faisal, who hit Bangladesh bowlers to all corners of the park after opener Khalid Ahmadzai was dismissed cheaply. He shared a 93-run partnership with Uzairullah Niazai for the third wicket, paving the platform. Niazai made the second-best score of 44.
Azizullah Miakhil applied the finishing touch with 38 not out, helping the side set a big total. Bangladesh will take on Nepal in their second match of the group phase on Monday.