Bangladesh draw first blood in youth ODI series
Bangladesh won by 130 runs.
Captain Muhammed Bulbulia’s valiant half-century was in vain as the South Africa U19s slumped to a 130-run defeat against Bangladesh U19 in the first Youth ODI at Willowmoore Park on July 17.
Bulbulia led from the front with a spirited 72 off 79 balls, striking four boundaries and three sixes. However, he received little support from the other end, as the visitors’ disciplined bowling attack bundled the hosts out for 155 in pursuit of 286.
Iqbal Hossain and Shadhin Islam spearheaded the Bangladesh bowling effort with three wickets apiece, while Debasish Deba (1/10), Rizan Hossan (1/14), and Azizul Hakim (1/25) kept the pressure on with economical spells.
The chase began poorly for the young Proteas. Jorich van Schalkwyk was dismissed for a nine-ball duck and Armaan Manack followed soon after for just three. Daniel Bosman was next to go, caught and bowled by Hossan, leaving South Africa reeling at 42/3.
Bulbulia tried to anchor the innings, but wickets continued to tumble. Kamogelo Phiri (8) and Vihan Pretorius (6) fell to Islam, while Paul James offered a brief resistance with 24 before being dismissed by Hakim. The rest of the tail could not offer any support, and the innings ended in the 33rd over when Bulbulia was finally dismissed by Islam.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh posted a formidable 285/6 after being sent in to bat. Openers Zawad Abrar and Rifat Beg shared a 32-run partnership before Beg fell for 16 to JJ Basson.
Abrar (70 off 61) then combined with captain Azizul Hakim (26) for an 82-run stand for the third wicket. After their dismissals, Rizan Hossan (63 off 55) and MD Abdullah (63 off 76) powered Bangladesh forward with a 99-run fourth-wicket partnership.
Basson claimed two late wickets in the final overs to help restrict the visitors below the 300-run mark.
The series continues tomorrow (July 19) at 09:30, again at Willowmoore Park.
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