Rizon's five-for powers Bangladesh U-19 to winning start

Bangladesh Under-19 made a winning start to their four-match Youth One-Day International series against Afghanistan, securing a 33-run victory in the opening match at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Saturday. 

Leg-spinner Rubay Islam Rizon starred with the ball after Rakibul Hossain's unbeaten half-century helped the junior Tigers recover from a middle-order collapse.

Batting first, Bangladesh posted 250 for eight in their allotted 50 overs, with Rakibul scoring an unbeaten 79 off 78 balls. Ahsan Al Mumin contributed 54, while opener Jarif Siyam made 50 to give the visitors a competitive total after a difficult start.

Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals and were reduced to 111 for five, putting pressure on the middle and lower order. Siyam's half-century had provided an early platform, but the dismissal of captain Farid Hasan Faysal left the innings in need of a substantial partnership.

Rakibul and Mumin responded with a crucial sixth-wicket stand of 117 runs that revived the innings and shifted the momentum. Mumin struck four boundaries in his 70-ball knock before falling to Imran Mohammadi, but Rakibul continued to guide the lower order and remained unbeaten at the end.

Rakibul hit six fours and a six, scoring at a strike rate of just over 101. Imran was Afghanistan's most successful bowler, taking three wickets for 57 runs, while Lutfullah Mohammadi claimed two for 25.

Afghanistan began their chase of 251 but were bowled out for 217 in 48.2 overs, leaving Bangladesh with a 33-run victory. Rizon led the bowling effort with five wickets for 37 runs in 8.2 overs, while Sheikh Atiqur Rahman supported him with two wickets for 32 runs.

The result gives Bangladesh an early boost ahead of the remaining matches, scheduled for October 19, 21 and 23. The series was reduced from five matches to four after visa delays disrupted Bangladesh's travel arrangements and forced changes to the original programme.

The matches are part of the teams' preparations for the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, which begins in Oman on November 5. Bangladesh, champions in the 2023 and 2024 editions, will hope to build on Saturday's performance before the continental tournament, where they are drawn in Group B with Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Malaysia.