Bangladesh Under-19 team take unbeatable lead

Bangladesh Under-19 cricket team clinched the youth ODI series with two-match remaining when they beat South Africa Under-19 cricket team by just eight runs in the fifth match of the seven-match series at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chittagong yesterday. By virtue of the victory, Bangladesh led the seven-match youth ODI series with 4-1. The next two matches of the series will be held at the same venue on April 21 and 23 respectively.
Bangladesh put on 257 for nine, after which South Africa managed to score 249 for nine in the stipulated 50 overs.
Riding on a couple of half centuries from Pinak Ghosh (76) and Mehedi Hasan (63) Bangladesh U-19 team compiled 257 for nine after opting to bat first at the Port City. Opener Pinak Ghosh top-scored for Bangladesh with 76. Pinak made a couple of invaluable partnership including  90-run third wicket stand with Mehedi Hasan and another 45-run with Nazmul Hossain Shanto for the second wicket on way to his 116-ball knock.
Fast bowler Ziyaad Abrahams was the most successful bowler for the touring side, who finished his bowling figure with 6-58.
Pursuing the target of 258, South Africa lost their opener Ryan Rickelton before opening their account. Together with Wiaan Mulder, opener Rivaldo Moonsamy hit 108-run for the second wicket. Mulder smashed 50 off 74 with six fours and one six before being bowled by Saleh Ahmed.
Mohammad Saifuddin was the pick of the local bowler, who scythed down the middle-order batsmen. He gave away just 27 runs to snap up five wickets including prized-wicket of Diyyaan Galiem and was adjudged the man-of-the-match award.