Bangladesh Triumphs in ICC U-19 World Cup, Clinching First Victory with a Stylish Six-Wicket Win Against Ireland.

Bangladesh, former champs, notched their first win in the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup ’24. They took down Ireland by six wickets at Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Monday.

Despite being 2020 champions, Bangladesh had a tough kickoff, suffering an 84-run loss to defending champs India in their initial match in Bloemfontein on Saturday. 

In today’s game, Bangladesh had a smooth ride chasing 236 runs. They easily hit their target, reaching 239 for the loss of four wickets in just 46.5 overs. The key was two strong partnerships – Ahrar Amin and Shihab James’ unbeaten 109-run stand for the fifth wicket, steering the team to victory, and a solid foundation laid by Ashiqur Rahman Shibli and Adil Bin Siddik scoring 90 runs in 19.1 overs in the opening stand. 

Ashiqur Rahman Shibli made a dynamic entrance, notching up an impressive 44 runs from 60 balls, adorned with three boundaries. Meanwhile, Adil Bin Siddik, the other opener, showcased finesse with a 36-run performance off 63 balls, including three well-timed fours.

The unstoppable Ahrar Amin, positioned at number five, left an indelible mark, crafting an unbeaten 45 runs from 63 balls, featuring a trio of fours and a powerful six. Shihab James, at number six, added a touch of flair to the innings, closing with an undefeated 55 runs from 54 balls, embellished by five boundary-hitting fours.

Later, Shihab was decided the man of the match. 

In the thrilling cricket showdown, Chowdhury Md Rizwan and Ariful Islam notched up 21 and 13 runs each for Bangladesh, facing the fierce attack by Scott Macbeth who claimed two wickets at the cost of 41 runs.

Setting the stage on fire, Ireland opted to bat first, and Kian Hilton’s spectacular innings of 90 runs stole the spotlight, propelling them to a respectable total of 235 runs for 8 in the thrilling 50-over contest.

Two down Kian Hilton furnished his 113-ball, 90-run innings with 11 fours and a six. 

In a dazzling display of cricket prowess, opener Jordan Naill notched up 31 runs in just 47 balls, adorned with five exquisite fours. Meanwhile, Scott Macbeth added flair with his 27 runs from 53 balls, featuring two stylish boundaries. John McNally chipped in with a quickfire 23 runs off 24 balls, including a well-placed boundary. These dynamic performances were pivotal for Ireland.

The sensational teenage left-arm medium pacer, Maruf Mridha, who had previously claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul against India, showcased his skills again by taking two Irish wickets, giving away only 45 runs. Sheikh Paervez Jibon joined the bowling spectacle with two wickets for 54 runs, while the captain, Mahfurur Rahman Rabby, and Rafiuzzaman Rafi each secured a wicket, conceding 27 and 42 runs, respectively. A cricket saga unfolded with each delivery, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

In the remaining Group A match, Bangladesh will play the United States on January 26, also at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, South Africa.