Basir stars as Bangladesh clinch 5-wkt victory over South Africa

Bangladesh’s U-19 team secured a convincing 5-wicket victory over South Africa U-19s on Wednesday where all rounder Samiun Basir showed a brilliant performance and took his team at the top of the point table.

The tri-nation series, which includes hosts Zimbabwe, is being played at Harare Sports Club.

The win was set up by a dominant bowling display that saw the South African team bowled out for just 147 runs.

After winning the toss, the Proteas opted to bat first but struggled to build partnerships. Bandile Mbatha top-scored with 39 runs and Paul James added 33, but they were the only two batsmen to cross the 30-run mark.

The rest of the batting lineup faltered against a disciplined Bangladeshi attack. Sanjid Majumder was the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets, while Alfahad and Samiun Basir each took two.

In their chase, Bangladesh got off to a shaky start, losing five wickets for just 68 runs. Opener Rifat Beg provided some stability with a solid 43 before he was dismissed.

However, an unbroken 80-run partnership between Samiun Basir and Mohammad Abdullah sealed the victory.

Basir, who had already taken two wickets, smashed a quick-fire 52 not out off 36 balls, while Abdullah contributed an unbeaten 20.

For South Africa, Bayanda Mazola was the most successful bowler, taking four wickets.