U-19s storm into maiden final

Thanks to a fantastic century from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Bangladesh Under-19s made it to their first ever final in the ICC U-19 World Cup after defeating their New Zealand counterparts by six wickets at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom today.

Chasing a modest 211 for eight posted by New Zealand, Bangladesh lost a couple of early wickets. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim fell cheaply for 14 and 3 respectively inside first nine overs. Mahmudul and Towhid Hridoy then starred in a 68-run partnership for the third wicket before the latter fell with the young Tigers' score on 100. However, Mahmudul's 127-ball 100, laced with 13 boundaries and an unbeaten 51-ball 40 from Shahadat Hossain ensured that Bangladesh coasted to victory with 35 balls to spare.

Earlier, being sent to bat, New Zealand made a slow start, scoring just 59 runs for the loss of three wickets after 20.4 overs. It was Nicholas Lidstone's 74-ball 44 in the middle and an unbeaten 83-ball 75 from Beckham Wheeler-Greenall that helped New Zealand stretch their score past 200. For the young Tigers, Shoriful Islam shone the brightest with the balll as the left-arm fast bowler returned impressive figures of three for 45 in 10 overs that featured two maidens.

Bangladesh will now face defending champions India in the final at the same venue on February 9.