Afghanistan U-19 deny Bangladesh series victory

Bangladesh Under-19 failed to turn an early advantage into a series victory, losing the fourth and final Youth ODI to Afghanistan by four wickets in Al Amerat, Oman, on Friday.

The defeat left the four-match series tied 2-2 after Bangladesh had won the opening two games, including the second match in a Super Over. Afghanistan responded with a 43-run victory in the third match before completing their comeback in the series finale.

Batting first after winning the toss, Bangladesh struggled to build momentum and finished on 219 for nine in their allotted 50 overs. Captain Farid Hasan held the innings together with a patient 82 off 145 balls, but the lack of substantial contributions from the other batters prevented the Tigers from posting a more challenging total.

Alamin Hossain Rony contributed 29 off 31 balls, while Robiul Hasan Anik provided a late boost with an unbeaten 29 from just 22 deliveries, including three sixes.

Afghanistan's Sohail Khan and Amir Hamza took three wickets each to keep Bangladesh under pressure throughout the innings. Lutfullah Mohammadi claimed two wickets.

The visitors also lost both openers early in their chase, but Subhan Zakhail and Tahir Sarwary steadied the innings with half-centuries. Zakhail scored 60 off 81 balls before falling with the total at 130, while Sarwary remained unbeaten on 67 off 76 deliveries to guide Afghanistan home.

Sarwary's composed innings earned him the player-of-the-match award as Afghanistan reached 222 for six in 48.1 overs, with 11 balls to spare.

For Bangladesh, Al Amin Hossen was the most successful bowler, taking two wickets for 44 runs.

The result marked a disappointing end to Bangladesh's campaign after their promising start. Having secured a two-match lead, the young Tigers were unable to maintain their momentum, allowing Afghanistan to level the series with consecutive victories.

Afghanistan will now turn their attention to a two-match Youth ODI series against hosts Oman, scheduled to begin on October 27.