Bangladesh hold Afghanistan to thrilling tie

Bangladesh Under-19s fought back in a tense finish to tie the second Youth ODI against Afghanistan Under-19s, with both sides scoring 304 runs at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman on Monday.

Chasing 305, Bangladesh finished at 304 for eight in their 50 overs, narrowly missing out on victory in a high-scoring contest that produced 608 runs in total.

Afghanistan, who won the toss and elected to bat, posted 304 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Noman Salarzai led the innings with 76 off 90 balls, while Faridullah Ihsas scored 51 off 47 balls and Tahir Sarwary added 43 off 31 deliveries.

Rubay Islam Rizon was Bangladesh’s leading bowler, claiming four wickets for 72 runs in nine overs. SK Jarif Siyam took two wickets for 34 runs in his 10 overs.

In reply, Bangladesh made a strong start through an opening partnership of 70 runs. Abdullah Al Muhi scored 50 off 45 balls, while Alamin Hossain Rony struck 71 off 56 deliveries to keep the visitors on course for victory.

Ahsan Al Mumin contributed 56 off 66 balls, but Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals in the closing stages, leaving the match finely balanced.

Rizon then produced a late surge with an unbeaten 33 off just 19 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Sheikh Atiqur Rahman remained not out on three, but Bangladesh finished level with Afghanistan on 304.

Noor Ali Niazai took three wickets for Afghanistan, while Sohail Khan and Lutfullah Mohammadi claimed two wickets each.