Harare: After securing comfortable victories in their initial two matches, the Bangladesh Under-19 team encountered their first defeat in the tri-nation series, succumbing to a five-wicket loss against South Africa at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh side’s defeat became apparent when they were bowled out for 175 runs in 44.5 overs. Despite some challenges, South Africa successfully chased down the target in 36.5 overs. Armaan Manack spearheaded the chase with a 57-run innings off 78 balls, including seven boundaries. Captain Jason Rowels added 41 runs, while opener Muhammed Bulbulia contributed 39.
Bangladesh’s pacer Al Fahad maintained his impressive form, taking 3 wickets for 29 runs, but it was not enough to secure a win for his team. Earlier in the match, Bangladesh’s captain Azizul Hakim Tamim scored a resilient half-century, hitting 59 off 81 balls with five fours and two sixes, helping his team recover from a batting collapse to post a total of 175 runs.
Kalam Siddiki remained not out at 49, playing a crucial role in pushing the team’s score past 150 as Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals following Hakim’s departure. Only three Bangladeshi batsmen managed to reach double figures, with Rizan Hossain being the other contributor with 17 runs. South African bowlers Ntando Soni and Bayanda Majole each claimed two wickets, disrupting the Bangladesh innings after they opted to bat first.