Last month, Bangladesh U-19 lost a home series to the South Africa U-19 team. This time, Azizul Hakim Tamim’s side turned the tables, defeating the Protea youth in the final of a tri-nation series to clinch the title with a convincing 33-run victory.
Winning the toss, South Africa U-19 opted to field first. Bangladesh posted 269 for 5 in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to a superb 95 from Rizan Hossain and a solid 65 from Kalam Siddiqui. In reply, the Proteas were bowled out for 236 in 48.4 overs.
Bangladesh 269 vs 236 South Africa
South Africa began their chase well, with a 59-run opening stand. Adnan Legedin was first to fall for 40 off 31 balls, followed by fellow opener Zurich von Schalwick just nine balls later after scoring 19 off 22 deliveries. From there, Bangladesh slowed the run flow. Middle-order batters Mohammad Bulbulia (31) and Jason Rawles (35) showed resistance, but the Junior Tigers ensured neither could build a match-changing partnership.
After their dismissals, South Africa lost wickets at regular intervals and fell short of the target.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings had a steady start from openers Jawad Abrar and Rifat Baig, who put on 41 before Rifat departed for 16 off 22 balls. Jawad followed soon after with 21 runs. Captain Azizul Hakim Tamim struggled, managing only 7 off 28 balls, leaving BD at 124 for 3.
The turning point came when Rizan and Kalam added a crucial 117-run stand for the fourth wicket. Kalam made 65 before falling, while Rizan’s impressive 95 ended just short of a century after a run-out, but their partnership laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s title-winning total.