SPORTS REPORTER

Bangladesh Under-19s pulled off a thrilling three-wicket victory over Afghanistan Under-19s on Saturday at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai, chasing down the highest target ever successfully chased in ACC U-19 Asia Cup history. Riding on an exceptional 151-run opening stand between Zawad Abrar (96) and Rifat Beg (62), the two-time defending champions got off to a perfect start in their first Group B fixture, which also includes Sri Lanka and Nepal.

Afghanistan won the toss and elected to bat, posting a formidable 283 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by Faisal Shinozada, who struck a fluent 103 off 94 balls with 8 fours and 4 sixes, helping the Afghan side build a competitive total. Useful contributions from Uzairullah Niazai (44) and a late flourish from Azizullah Miakhil (38 not out) and Abdul Aziz (26 not out) ensured Afghanistan finished with plenty for the bowlers to defend.

In reply, Bangladesh got off to a flying start. Openers Zawad and Rifat put on a commanding partnership of 151 runs for the first wicket, effectively taking the game away from the Afghan bowlers early. Abrar looked in complete control, scoring 96 before being dismissed just shy of a century, while Rifat supported well with 62, giving Bangladesh the platform they needed.

Once the opening stand was broken, captain Azizul Hakim Tamim joined the crease and guided his side through the nervy middle overs with a 48-ball 47. There was a late stutter, though, as Bangladesh lost a few wickets towards the end, but the Junior Tigers eventually scraped across the line.

In the other match of the day, Sri Lanka thrashed Nepal by eight wickets.