Sports Desk
ISLAMABAD:-Bangladesh reached the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup final for the first time in their history after Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s century helped them comfortably beat New Zealand by six wickets in their semi-final showdown at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
The right-hander struck exactly 100 off 127 balls to help his team chase down 212 in just 44.1 overs after their bowlers earlier did the business with the ball to restrict the Junior Black Caps to a modest total. The result sparked wild celebrations and set up a competition finale against India in what will be the third all-Asian final and the first in U19 Cricket World Cup history outside the sub-continent.
“Today was a very special innings I played and I am proud of it,” man of the match Joy said. “This is the first time that Bangladesh have got to the final and we are all very happy.” And Bangladesh were full value for their win, dominating the game from start to finish in South Africa’s North West province.
After winning the toss and bowling, Shamim Hossain (two for 31) struck with the 11th ball of the match to remove Rhys Mariu (1) and leave New Zealand on the back foot. The opening bowler, along with Rakibul Hasan (one for 35) and Hasan Murad (two for 34) then made further inroads to leave their opponents on 74 for four, before Nicholas Lidstone (44) and Beckham Wheeler-Greenall’s cavalier 75 off 83 balls helped take them to a respectable total. Shoriful Islam (three for 45) also did damage at the other end to finish as the pick of the bowlers.
The New Zealanders did manage two early breakthroughs in the form of Parvez Hossain Emon (14) and Tanzid Hassan (3) but Joy and Towhid Hridoy (40) put on 68 to steady the ship. Captain Shahadat Hossain (40 not out) then helped complete the job alongside the centurion – the pair putting on 101 for the fourth wicket – to send Bangladesh through.
Scores in brief
Bangladesh Under 19s beat New Zealand Under 19s by six wickets, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom
New Zealand 211-8, 50 overs (Beckham Wheeler-Greenall 75 not out, Nicholas Lidstone 44; Shoriful Islam 3-45)
Bangladesh 215-4, 44.1 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 100, Shahadat Hossain 40 not out; David Hancock 1-31)
