How Did Bangladesh's Openers Lead to a Thrilling Win Against Afghanistan in the U19 Asia Cup?
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating match at the U19 Asia Cup, Bangladesh's openers Rifat Beg and Zawad Abrar showcased remarkable performances, securing a narrow three-wicket victory over Afghanistan. This match highlighted the thrilling dynamics of youth cricket and the potential of emerging players, making it a must-watch for cricket enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways
- Rifat Beg and Zawad Abrar set a strong foundation with a 151-run partnership.
- Bangladesh chased down the target of 283 with one over to spare.
- Afghanistan's Faisal Shinozada showcased his talent with a century.
- A late collapse in Bangladesh's innings created tension.
- Rizan Hossan's late runs ensured victory for Bangladesh.
Dubai, Dec 13 (NationPress) Openers Rifat Beg and Zawad Abrar each scored half-centuries, steering Bangladesh to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Afghanistan in their Group B encounter of the Men's U19 Asia Cup at The ICC Academy in Dubai on Saturday.
Afghanistan set a challenging target of 283/7, thanks to Faisal Shinozada's impressive top score of 103. Bangladesh managed to chase down the target with one over remaining, despite facing a late-game collapse. They seemed to be on course at 236/2, requiring just 48 runs from 45 balls with eight wickets still intact.
However, a sudden loss of four wickets in four overs gave Afghanistan a brief glimmer of hope. The steady hand of all-rounder Rizan Hossan, who scored a brisk 17 not out, ultimately secured the victory for Bangladesh with seven balls to spare. The openers, Abrar and Beg, established a solid foundation with a thrilling 151-run partnership.
While Beg was dismissed for 62 in the 27th over, Abrar narrowly missed a century, falling for 96 to Roohullah Arab. Azizul Hakim and Kalam Siddiki contributed a valuable 66-run partnership for the third wicket, but a middle-order wobble put the chase at risk until Hossan's late efforts ensured they crossed the finish line.
Shinozada's innings was the highlight for Afghanistan as he scored a fluent 103 runs off 94 deliveries, including eight fours and four sixes. He formed partnerships of 66 with Osman Sadat and 89 with Uzairullah Niazai, pushing the score past 200.
Despite his efforts, Afghanistan found themselves at 225/7 in the 46th over, before Azizullah Miakhil (38) and Abdul Aziz (26) added a quick unbroken stand of 58 runs off 28 balls, bringing their total to 283. However, it was not enough to prevent defeat against Bangladesh.
Brief scores:
Afghanistan U19: 283/7 in 50 overs (Faisal Shinozada 103, Uzairullah Niazai 44, Shahriar Ahmed 2-43, Iqbal Hossain Emon 2-63) lost to Bangladesh U19: 284/7 in 48.5 overs (Zawad Abrar 96, Rifat Beg 62; Khatir Stanikzai 2-46, Roohullah Arab 2-48) by three wickets.
Point of View
Bangladesh's recent win over Afghanistan stands as a testament to the burgeoning talent within their ranks. This match not only showcased individual brilliance but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and resilience, essential qualities for future cricketing stars. NationPress remains committed to bringing you insightful coverage of such pivotal sporting events.
NationPress
13/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the U19 Asia Cup match between Bangladesh and Afghanistan?
Bangladesh U19 scored 284 runs, defeating Afghanistan U19, who posted 283 runs.
Who were the top scorers for Bangladesh in the match?
The top scorers for Bangladesh were Zawad Abrar with 96 runs and Rifat Beg with 62 runs.
How many wickets did Afghanistan lose in their innings?
Afghanistan lost 7 wickets in their innings, scoring a total of 283 runs.
What was the partnership between Abrar and Beg?
Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg formed a significant partnership of 151 runs for the first wicket.
What was the notable performance from Afghanistan's side?
Faisal Shinozada scored a brilliant 103 runs off 94 balls for Afghanistan.
