Bangladesh Exits ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup Super Six Following Loss to Pakistan

Bangladesh, the former champions, experienced an early exit from the super six stage of the ongoing ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup 2024, succumbing to a narrow five-run defeat against Pakistan in a tense encounter at Benoni, South Africa on Saturday (February 3).

Following the day’s match, India and Pakistan secured spots in the semifinals from Group A.

In pursuit of a modest target of 156 runs within 38.1 overs to secure a spot in the semifinals from Group A, Bangladesh faltered, ultimately getting all out for 150 runs in 35.5 overs.

The team faced a challenging start, losing wickets consistently, with three wickets falling at 43 runs, seven wickets at 123 runs, and nine wickets at 127 runs.

Shihab James played a crucial role for Bangladesh, contributing 26 runs off 43 balls with three boundaries, while tail-ender Rohanat Duollah Borson made a commendable effort for Bangladesh’s survival in the last wicket, scoring an unbeaten 21 runs off 24 balls, including one boundary.

Chowdhury Md Rizwan (20), Jishan Alam (19), Ariful Islam (14), captain Mahfuzur Rahman Rabby (13), and Ahrar Amin (11) were other notable contributors for Bangladesh.

Pakistani right-arm medium-pacer Ubaid Shah inflicted significant damage on Bangladesh’s innings, securing five wickets for 44 runs with a maiden in his 10-over spell, earning him the man of the match accolade. Ali Reza also claimed three wickets for 44 runs in 10 overs, including a maiden.

In the earlier innings, when Pakistan U-19 was sent in to bat, they were all out for 155 runs in 40.4 overs, facing the impactful bowling performances of Rohanat Doullah Borson and Sheikh Paevez Jibon.

For Pakistan, Arafat Minhas (34), Shahzaib Khan (26), Shamyl Hussain (19), Ali Asfand (19), and Ahmad Hasan (11) were notable contributors, reaching double figures.

Medium-pacer Rohanat Doullah Borson, who had previously been named man of the match against Nepal, continued his impressive form by capturing four wickets, conceding 24 runs in eight overs with a maiden. Right-arm off-break bowler Sheikh Paevez Jibon, with three wickets against Nepal, also claimed four wickets, conceding 24 runs in his 10-over spell with three maidens.

Bangladesh began the super six stage with a strong start in the ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup 2024, defeating Nepal by five wickets with 148 balls remaining at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa last Wednesday