Bangladesh defeated Namibia by 87 runs in the opening match of the Under-19 cricket World Cup at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln on Saturday (Jan 13).
Bangladesh earned a winning start in the ICC U-19 cricket World Cup as they registered a massive 87-run victory over Namibia to begin their campaign on a strong note held on Saturday at Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln.
Chasing a massive target of 191 runs set by Bangladesh, Namibia found the chase stiff as they slipped 12 for 4 and eventually restricted at 103 for 6 in 20 over in the face of tight bowling display by the junior Tigers' bowlers.
The highlights of Namibia's innings was Eben van Wyk's 52-ball 55 runs that studded with six boundaries and two over boundaries while Loftie-Eaton (24) and Petrus Burger (11 n.o) were the other two Namibian batsmen who able to reach the double figure. Hasan Mahmud and Kazi Anik shared two wickets each conceding 12 and 14 runs respectively.
Earlier, Bangladesh at the back of quick fire half centuries from Mohammad Naim (43-ball 60) and Saif Hassan (48-ball 84) piled up a massive total of 190 for 4 in curtail 20 over match due to rain, after Bangladesh were forced to bat first.
The duo also shared a 97-run second wicket stand to take the team's total to a commanding position. Skipper Saif smashed three boundaries and five over boundaries while Naim cracked eight boundaries and one over boundary.
Opener Pinak Ghosh (26) and Afif Hossain (11) were the other notable scorers for Bangladesh. Dewald Nell, Petrus Burger, Shaun Fouche and Ben Shikongo shared one wicket each giving away 22, 31, 35 and 36 runs respectively.
The teams in each group will play each other once. The top two from each group will qualify for the quarterfinals, and the top four will qualify for the semifinals.
The Young Tigers have been pitted in Group C with Canada, Namibia and the England to play the group stage of the one-day format 16-team world event. In their remaining group battles Bangladesh will play Canada and England on Jan 15 and 18 respectively.
The final will be held on Feb 3.
