Youths' scrappy win

Bangladesh recorded a hard-fought two-wicket win against Nepal in a rain-curtailed youth Asia Cup game at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia yesterday.

Chasing the revised target of 180 runs in 40 overs, the Bangladesh youths required 11 runs in the last over.  Naeem Hasan and Robiul Haque struck crucial boundaries in that nerve-wracking over as the young Tigers reached 181-8 with a ball to spare.

Opener Naim Sheikh top-scored with 52 off 82 balls that included three fours and a six while his partner Pinak Ghosh added 24 runs to give Bangladesh a good start in their opening Group A game. But after the departure of Naim Bangladesh went on to lose quick wickets at regular intervals, forcing the required run-rate well over nine runs per over at one point of the game.

But Afif Hossain scored a 33-ball 39 with one four and a six before being run out and Mahidul Islam added a 20-ball 23 to help Bangladesh seal a scrappy win.

Kamal Singh and Sandeep Lamichhance picked up two wickets each for Nepal.

Earlier, Nepal scored 167 for 6 in 40.1 overs before rain halted the game.

Bhim Sharki was the highest scorer with 44 off 40 balls while Rohit Kumar added 40 for Nepal.

Off-spinner Nayeem Hasan was the pick of the Bangladesh bowlers with 3-33 in his nine overs while Hasan Mahmud, Qazi Onik, and Afif bagged a wicket each.

Saif Hasan and his troops will take on Malaysia Under-19 side in their next game at the same ground on Monday.

SCORE IN BRIEF

NEPAL U-19S: 167 for 6 in 40.1 overs (Bhim Sharki 44, Rohit Kumar, Nayeem 3-33)

BANGLADESH U-19S: 181 for 8 in 39.5 overs (Naim 52, Afif 33, Sandeep 2-35)

Result: Bangladesh U-19s won by two wickets.